22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 53:4-12; Psalm 91:9-16; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45
Mark reminds us what Jesus came to accomplish for humanity and what his hope is for Christians regarding the use of power in faithful relationships. The sons of Zebedee may have been acostumed to make use of their influence. We know from the evangelist that their family had a crew of hired fisherman and posessed at least one boat (Mark 1:19-20). That is in contrast with the other brothers, Peter and Andrew, who are simplying castin “a” net into the sea (1:16-18). James and John may have had a higher status in the community.
All were fishermen in Capernaum, Jesus’ center of operations in Galilee. It is more than likely that the Zebedee household may have supported Jesus and his followers while sailing back and forth in foreign territory across the lake and after distant travels to Syrophoenician lands. “Teacher, we want you to do for us whater we ask of you (10:35b).” If it sounds patronizing, it likely was. Maybe they thought it was time for Jesus to pay up for the family support. Patronage was the way of the Greco-Roman world. It would explain James and John’s demeanor and Jesus’ instruction not to imitate the gentile use of power (42).
Jesus set the example for what makes everything great. He is Lord, but he is servant of all. He came not to keep anyone in bondage, but to pay the ranson that set humanity free (43-45). For the baptized Christian, he is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s suffering servant prophecy (Chapter 53). He paid the debt of humankind captivity to sin by willingly taking the “punishment that made us whole (v. 5).” The one we call teacher and Lord “bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors”; “therefore we allot him a portion with the great (v. 12).”
To the author of Hebrews, this is what high priests should do: “to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins (5:1).” What makes Jesus the greatest one is that he interceded for us by sacrificing his own life despite had been perfect and without sin (5:9-10; 7:26-28).
The psalmist proclaims:
“ Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble;
I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them
and show them my salvation (Ps. 91:14–16, NRSVue).”
Bridging Faith 