Headlong into death
Today’s passage opens with Jesus “leading them” toward Jerusalem. This is not reluctant savior. This is not someone wishing they didn’t have to die (not now). This is Jesus, who gives a stark and clear picture of what will happen to him, in significant detail, leading the way to his death. And so he calls us.
James and John inquire about their place in the coming Kingdom. Two disciples who likely never had any power or position are now wondering how they might be able to achieve some. Yet Jesus has to tell them all that this new Kingdom works upside down. Power is given only so that it may be yielded back to God. High position is granted only to the ones who serve all. What message does this upside down Kingdom bring to us today in our society that glorifies that rich and powerful. Christ comes to say they will be made low, and the servants are the ones who lead the way.
‘Come’ Jesus beckons, ‘follow me unto death. There’s something better on the other side.’
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