“And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.” – Matt. 20:24
“And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste?'” – Matt. 26:8
“But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them, for such belongs the kingdom of God.'” – Mark 10:14
Sitting at Jesus’ side
One day the mother of James and John came to Jesus and asked Him for a favor. Specifically, she wanted her two sons to have the place of highest honor in Jesus’ kingdom. The privilege of sitting at His right and left hand. Although mom asked the question, Jesus directed His reply to the brothers. Did they understand what was being asked of Him? Was the question appropriate? Jesus could assure them they could suffer for Him, but to give out positions of honor was for the Father, not for Jesus. James and John had their priorities wrong! The other ten had their feathers ruffled. They were indignant! Pride and competition are a dangerous combination. Jesus had more teaching to do.
The son’s of Zebedee were motivated by pride, not humility. According to Jesus, Gentile rulers exercise authority over others. To them, this reflects greatness. Not so with Jesus. According to Him, if you want to be great; serve. If you want to be first, become a slave. If you can’t comprehend My words, follow My example; “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Before anybody will be sitting at my right and left hand, my hands will be nailed to a cross. Before they are nailed to the cross, they will wash your feet. Don’t worry about what you can grasp, look for opportunities to give.
Kneeling at Jesus’ feet
On another occasion, Jesus was at the home of Simon the leper. A woman came in and anointed Him with a very expensive ointment. When the disciples saw this they were indignant. What a waste. What about the poor? What is she thinking? What a bunch of hypocrites. In self-righteousness, the disciples rebuked the woman. In love Jesus commended her. I have told you numerous times about My imminent death, yet you were worried about your status. This woman worships Me, and you’re worried about waste? As long and as far as the gospel is proclaimed, her act of worship will be remembered! Bet that set well with the disciples. While they were grasping, she was giving. If you are truly concerned about the poor, they will always be with you. Give.
Sitting on Jesus’ lap
One day some mothers brought their little children to Jesus. They did not ask for the privilege of sitting at His right and left hand, they merely wanted Jesus to touch their children. They wanted His blessing. The disciples rebuked them. This time Jesus was indignant. What these people are asking of Me is beautiful. It is done in humility. Don’t hinder them. Learn from them. Heaven will be filled with people of “childlike” faith. Their reward? The lap of Jesus. They were blessed with the touch of His hands. Each time He blessed a child He touched a mother’s heart and rebuked His disciples. Every time He rebukes His disciples, he rebukes us.
How is your pride? How is your self-righteousness? Are you more interested in being great or becoming “less” (i.e. “He must increase, I must decrease”)? Do you want to be served or to serve? Do you want to grab or give? Are you more passionate about your interests or Jesus’ glory? What makes you indignant? Maybe it’s time to grab that alabaster jar and empty its contents for Jesus. You will find it is good for the soul, and may even put a smile on your face!
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matt. 5:3