In our Gospel for today, we hear a rather bold request from James and John. These two apostles approach Jesus with a desire that reveals something very human: ambition. “Teacher,” they say, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you” (Mark 10:35). I imagine Jesus is probably thinking this is going to be good. They want to be rewarded the highest places of honor – to sit one at Jesus’ right and one at his left – when He comes into His glory. On the surface, It seems like a fairly reasonable request. I mean, after all, they’ve followed the Lord closely and have been since the beginning. So, why not ask for a reward?

But Jesus being Jesus sees much deeper into their hearts, as He always does. He knows that the idea of greatness that James and John are holding onto is still tangled with the worldly pursuit of ambition – a desire for power, recognition, and status. So, Jesus kind of gives them a reality check: “You do not know what you are asking” (Mark 10:38).

The Price of Glory: Can You Drink the Cup?

Then Jesus uses a powerful image: the “cup.” He asks, “Can you drink the cup that I drink?” (Mark 10:38). The cup here is not one of ease and triumph; instead, it is the cup of suffering and sacrifice. Jesus is hinting at the Cross, the ultimate symbol of love poured out for others. For James and John to share in the Lord’s glory means sharing in His suffering.

They don’t fully understand what Jesus is saying, they can’t even begin to grasp it and yet they confidently reply: “We can.” In the end, they will! James will be the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:2), and John will survive being boiled alive in a cauldron of oil and then endure exile. But their journey teaches us something: greatness in the Kingdom of God looks very different from greatness in the world.

What is True Greatness?

In our culture, the worldly idea of greatness often means climbing the ladder, achieving recognition, and gaining influence. But Jesus turns that upside down. He says, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant” (Mark 10:43). In other words, greatness isn’t found in being above others but in serving them.

That is a radical message! It’s a countercultural statement. And it’s hard to live out. Naturally, it is a very human thing to desire to be appreciated, noticed, or rewarded. But Jesus reminds us that in the Kingdom of God, the greatest are those who are willing to serve without seeking recognition – those who love quietly, forgive generously, and give of themselves even when it is inconvenient.

Think about it: how many of us would rather serve quietly than be noticed? How many would rather seek the good of others even when it costs us something – whether that be time, energy, or pride? We have to constantly open ourselves to reflect on that question, to challenge our own since of ambition, to put our desires for appreciation in check, to make sure we’re doing things for the right reasons. Is it because we genuinely want to serve the Lord and others? Or are we seeking to serve ourselves?

Jesus, the Servant of All

If we look at the Gospels, Jesus doesn’t just preach about service – He embodies it. We’re told in Scripture: The Son of God comes not to be served but to serve, giving His life “as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Think about all the images of service we see Jesus carry out. He heals the sick, drives out demons, restores freedom to people’s lives. He brings people back from the dead, meets others in their grief and mourning, comforts the widow and the orphan. On the night before His Passion, He kneels to wash the feet of His disciples, taking the position of the lowest servant. Then He gives Himself freely to endure the suffering of the whips and scourges, carries the cross through the streets of Jerusalem, and is then crucified for the salvation of all humanity.

These images of Christ challenges us to rethink what power and leadership really mean. It reminds us that in God’s eyes, the ones who bend low to serve others are truly exalted.

What Does This Mean for Us?

Each of us has places where we are called to serve. Some of us serve in our families: quietly meeting the needs of our children or elderly parents. Others serve in our workplaces: treating colleagues with dignity and kindness, even when it goes unnoticed. We serve in the ways we volunteer: giving a little bit of kindness and support to those who might be struggling. Some are called to serve in our parishes: using our gifts to build up the Body of Christ and bring others to an encounter with the love of Jesus.

Today’s Gospel invites us to reflect on some pretty important questions:

• Where is God calling me to serve right now?
• Am I willing to serve even when no one sees or appreciates it?
• Am I seeking recognition, or am I seeking the glory that comes from being united with Christ in humble, sacrificial love?

A Final Word: Joy in Service

There is a paradox here: when we stop chasing recognition and embrace humble service, we find joy. Jesus promises that those who follow Him on the path of sacrificial love will not lose their reward. And the reward is not just in heaven – it’s the peace of knowing we are living as Christ lived.

So today, let’s ask for the grace to drink the cup that Jesus drank – not just the cup of suffering, but the cup of love poured out for others. And in doing so, may we discover that the path to true greatness is not found in power or prestige, but in becoming servants of all.

Jesus tells us: “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant” (Mark 10:43).

Let’s follow in the footsteps of the One who came not to be served but to serve, and in doing so, find the greatness that only He can give.

Photo: Saulo Meza. Used under Unsplash license.