What Jesus Did! 'A Favor Please' — Mark 10:35-37

Sometimes the Scriptures are just too honest. I'm being a little sarcastic ... but just a little. The people we see, even those who are potentially our heroes, are so much like us, sometimes even worse than us. Their feet of clay help make the grace of Jesus real and accessible. Jesus' closest followers reveal that they don't really understand what he has just said to them about his upcoming death and what his life, ministry, and purpose are. Peter reminded Jesus a few verses earlier what they gave up to follow him (Mark 10:28). They seem to ignore what he has just told them in the previous verses about a horrible price he will pay for them (Mark 10:33-34). They can think only of their own glory. So while they courageously overcome their fear and dread to follow him to Jerusalem, they also have a great desire to get the big payoff from their association with him. Of course, the real question is whether they follow him as they should just because he is Lord and worthy of their allegiance. But then, their lack of understanding and their greed become the opportunity for us to ask ourselves the same question. Will we follow Jesus even if the costs are high and the appearances suggest that there is no earthly payoff? Hmm? Ouch! God help me.