The answer is: To sit on his right and left hand in the kingdom

Mark 10:35-37

In Mark 10:35-37, we're presented with a rather audacious moment—James and John making a bold request to Jesus. They asked if they could sit at His right and left in glory, signaling their desire for elevated status in the anticipated kingdom. This wasn't a typical “please pass the salt” kind of request; they were vying for the highest seats of honor!

The other disciples were understandably displeased. It’s easy to imagine the daggers of envy and frustration flying when one’s two closest companions took this ambitious stance. Through this moment, we see the very human tendency to seek power and recognition—a theme that echoes throughout history, in both secular leadership and religious hierarchies.

Here’s a fun fact: According to ancient cultural traditions, sitting at the right hand of a ruler symbolized authority and favor. It’s a motif we also find woven through scripture, such as in the account of King Solomon, yet Jesus flips this concept on its head later in Mark, teaching the disciples that true greatness comes through servitude (Mark 10:43-45). Jesus emphasized that the path to leadership is not through dominance but through gracious service.

This episode among the disciples showcases both the ambition of humanity and the countercultural message of Christ—a tapestry that continues to encourage conversations about role models and ideals in personal ambition today. So next time you see someone aiming for the top, consider how they might better serve those beneath them, catching a glimpse of those kingdom values instead!