Faith At The Bottom

Lectionary connections
October 20
Mark 10:35-45

Placing In Context

James and John thought they knew what they were asking, but Jesus saw their ignorance. We all want to be the heroes of our life story, but we forget how the heroic life that Christ shows us will lead us to face our own moments of crucifixion and resurrection. Relationships end, and dreams fall apart. Even when we practice our faith, we can find ourselves stuck with our hearts broken. Being closest to Jesus will not bring the social and spiritual benefits they want; instead, the way of Jesus calls us to receive and practice forgiveness and mercy, even as the cup of suffering presents itself through the unexpected twists and turns of life. 

Jesus doesn’t turn James and John away like children, chastising them for what they don’t know yet. He knows that they can’t understand what they have not personally experienced. Instead, Jesus is preparing them for what faith looks like when everything has fallen apart.

Beliefs that Endure

There will be moments when they imitate Jesus’ servanthood, leaving them feeling at the bottom of a mess. Even in this moment, Jesus invites us to trust that all is not lost. You will not feel this way forever, for you walk the journey that keeps going. To quote the children’s story, you can’t go over it. You Can’t go under it. You’ve got to go through it.

Moving Forward

How do you view the moments when you feel like you’re dead last in a race, even though you’ve worked so hard for so long? How do you see the times when you’re exhausted from caring for others? When you imagine those moments, how close is Jesus to you? What happens with your spirit when you see that Jesus is most close to you in those moments?