But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Mark 9:34
The brothers, James and John, were returning from the Transfiguration where they encountered the irrefutable deity of Jesus, Son of Man, Son of God. But they still had many questions about the Old Testament Law and Prophecy in relation to this Man of miracles.
Jesus’ time on earth was nearing its end and so He begins to turn His teaching away from the masses and to the disciples that have followed Him and shared in His ministry. There is much for them to learn in regards to how the world should be when His mortal presence is gone. Jesus begins to speak of His death, but this further confuses James and John who have known nothing but Jewish Law and hierarchy all their lives. If Jesus is to be their Messiah, their King, then life should become more secure, not uncertain.
The brothers were trying to figure things out. Every culture, society and family has a social order, so they would expect this new world order to have one too and they wanted their rightful place. But Jesus came to serve man, to save humanity, by pouring Himself out completely for each one of us. Anyone that wants a part of God’s Kingdom must do likewise and others must come first.
Have a Weekend,
Gretchen