Mark 10:42-45

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus says to his disciples: "You know that in the world rulers lord it over their subjects and make their power felt. This is not to happen among you. No, anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant."

In the gospel of Mark the sons of Zebedee, James and John, have asked Jesus to sit at his right and left hand, when he comes in glory. This prompts Jesus to give his teaching about being a servant. The gospel of Luke does not mention the request by James and John, but merely prefaces the teaching with a comment that a dispute had arisen among the disciples as to who was the greatest. (Luke 22:24-27) The gospel of Matthew reports that the mother of James and John asked Jesus to favor her two sons. (Mt. 20:20-21) Consistently, the gospel of Matthew presents the disciples of Jesus in a more favorable light, because it concludes with the great commission that the risen Christi gives to the disciples to found the church.

The earliest manuscripts of the gospel of Mark do not record any resurrection appearances, which suggests that the author thought Paul rather than the former disciples of Jesus (later apostles headquartered in Jerusalem) was the one chosen by God to lead the church.

Paul travels, risks his life, collects funds for the church in Jerusalem, and organizes churches in "the world" (the Roman Empire). The gospel of Mark implicitly supports his ministry and reminds the members of the Greek-speaking churches Paul founded that they are to serve rather than compete for privilege. What better way to do that than to tell a story about the ministry of Jesus in order to make the point.

Did Jesus actually say what the three gospels report? He, or any reforming rabbi, might well have. The call to service rather than privilege is surely what the will of the God of the Bible.

Grace and peace...Bob