November 24, 2015

Read Mark 10:35-45

“Mom, I want to ask you a question. Promise you’ll say ‘yes’?” That was always a sure clue that the answer should probably be “No!” This kind of manipulation usually means a selfish request is coming.
 
The sons of Zebedee sounded just like manipulative little kids when they asked the 1st century version of this age-old question. Unfortunately, they didn’t catch the warning in Jesus’ voice. “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus never asks a question because He doesn’t know the answer. Never. So why did He ask this of James and John? 
 
Is it possible that He was trying to give them time to take a deep breath and rethink what they were about to ask of Him? Jesus said that He will do whatever we ask in His name, not so that we will be honored and lifted up, but “that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:11)
 
Take a deep breath. Rethink your prayers. Are you like a selfish child, trying to trick the Father into giving you what you want? Are your requests those that will bring honor and glory to His great name? Take a deep breath . . .