So let's talk about how people talk to Jesus.
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” ~Mark 10:35.
This was a very brazen thing for the disciples to do. I don’t know if teens today are aware of this, but you are called a generation of entitlement. People say it as an insult, meaning that your generation, as a whole, thinks that you should get whatever you want. You assume, generally speaking, that you should be able to get all A’s, play and win in any sport, learn any musical instrument, be given a phone, tablet and any of the latest gaming devices. Other generations see you expecting praise for doing nothing and assuming that jobs should be yours if you want them.
Now, let me tell you that I think some of this unfair. It is a generalization, but even where it is true, previous generations have to take responsibility because we are the ones who have given you exactly what you want. Whoever is at fault, there are truths to these stereotypes. BUT, you’re not the first generation. We’re reading how a couple of teenagers 2,000 years ago walked up to their teacher, who was the Messiah by the way, and told Him they wanted whatever they asked for. And they expected it to be done.
If I had walked up to my dad and said that, he might have laughed. That is, after he would have knocked me down a few pegs and told me to get off my high-horse. My parents used phrases like that and I still have no idea what it means. My point is that I wouldn’t have dreamed of saying that to my parents. But these two guys walk up to someone they believe to be the Messiah of their nation and ask this question. It’s incredible.
Now, let me tell you that I think some of this unfair. It is a generalization, but even where it is true, previous generations have to take responsibility because we are the ones who have given you exactly what you want. Whoever is at fault, there are truths to these stereotypes. BUT, you’re not the first generation. We’re reading how a couple of teenagers 2,000 years ago walked up to their teacher, who was the Messiah by the way, and told Him they wanted whatever they asked for. And they expected it to be done.
If I had walked up to my dad and said that, he might have laughed. That is, after he would have knocked me down a few pegs and told me to get off my high-horse. My parents used phrases like that and I still have no idea what it means. My point is that I wouldn’t have dreamed of saying that to my parents. But these two guys walk up to someone they believe to be the Messiah of their nation and ask this question. It’s incredible.
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. ~Mark 10:36.
This is even more incredible. Jesus doesn’t just automatically shoot them down. He actually asks them to continue. I think we can learn from this that Jesus is willing to hear us, to listen to us and even willing to grant the amazing. Jesus is God and He wants us to be amazed at Him.
Comments