Mark 10:41 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John.

NIV: When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.

NASB: Hearing this, the other ten began to feel indignant with James and John.

CSB: When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John.

NLT: When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.

KJV: And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

NKJV: And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.

Scholars presume that the disciples are irritated because James, John, and their mother (Matthew 20:20–21) have the audacity to ask for what the other ten want, as well. The text supports this as Jesus' words about servant leadership are addressed to all of them (Mark 10:42–45).

James—not John's brother, but the pastor of the church in Jerusalem and Jesus' half-brother through Mary—talks about what happens to a group when selfish desires rear their ugly heads. He says, "You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions" (James 4:2–3). The disciples don't get to the point of murder, but they do get angry. Personal ambition is not only unbecoming in Christian leadership, it also causes conflict in the church (Mark 9:50).

Church politics can strain the patience of the greatest saint. Unlike citizens subject to a civil government with strict laws, law enforcement, and a powerful leader, God expects members of His church to be both mature and loving. If another believer sins against us, we have instructions on how to gently confront them under the submission of church leadership (Matthew 18:15–20). God commissions the church to reprimand and, if necessary, punish those who refuse to repent (1 Corinthians 5:1–13). And while we are to submit to and honor church leadership (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Timothy 5:17), we are not to do so blindly (1 Timothy 5:19–20).

Mark 10:35–45 describes the arrogant request of James and John to have positions of power and authority in Jesus' coming kingdom. This comes after learning that Jesus values the powerless like women and children (Mark 10:1–16), that those with earthly power and wealth can have a hard time following God because they can tend to value their possessions more (Mark 10:17–22), and that part of Jesus' plan for His kingdom is to die a horrible death (Mark 10:32–34). Neither Luke nor John record this account, but Matthew adds that James and John's mother is involved in the request (Matthew 20:20–28).

In this passage, Jesus again confronts the Pharisees by clarifying God's views on marriage and divorce. He reminds the disciples not to dismiss the spiritual perspective of children. This chapter also records Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler, who becomes an object lesson in why wealth makes it hard for people to rely on God. After this, Jesus deftly sets aside an arrogant request from James and John, and again predicts His impending death. Just prior to the triumphal entry of chapter 11, Jesus is sought out by Bartimaeus, whom He heals of blindness.

In between chapters 9 and 10, Jesus resumes His public teaching as He travels to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (Luke 9:57—18:14; John 7—10). We meet Him here across the Jordan in Perea and follow as He makes His way west again to Jericho. This chapter surrounds a third prophecy of Jesus' death (Mark 10:32–34) with lessons on His value for those others often dismiss: women (Mark 10:1–12), the powerless (Mark 10:13–16), those who value God more than the world (Mark 10:17–31), servant-hearted leaders (Mark 10:35–45), and those with bold faith (Mark 10:46–52). Next is the triumphal entry and the beginning of Passion Week.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.