In
the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
James and John asked Jesus to do
for them whatever they might ask. “Grant us to sit, one
at Your right hand and one at Your left, in Your glory.”
What is it they thought they were requesting? And what made them so
bold as to ask for this high honor, above the other disciples? After
all, even most favored, most impetuous Peter was not so forward.
To begin with, James and John believed that Jesus would actually give
them whatever they asked. And why should they not? After all, in
Matthew 18, He promised that whatever they asked in His name, they
would receive. The Lord commands over and over to ask for what you
desire, and He will answer the prayers of His faithful children. So,
why should James and John not go for it and ask for these positions
of honor?
Furthermore, these disciples knew that Jesus is the only way to
heaven, the only access point to the Father. Whatever Jesus asks, the
Father will give. Therefore, whatever the faithful ask of Jesus,
Jesus can accomplish. Through Jesus you and I and James and John and
all the faithful have access to heaven, to stand before the throne of
God. Upon this fact James and John trusted, and therefore they were
emboldened to ask for places at Jesus' right and left in His glory.
