Sunday 17 October 2021 is the 21st Sunday after Pentecost. Mark 10:35-45 is the main Lectionary reading.

Jesus’ disciples, James and John, make a request of him which we could criticise. But, in reality, as a request born out of fear and a desire for self-preservation, it’s perhaps a request we could also see ourselves making if we were in the same position. Why is that the case?

Below, you will find the main reading in full, together with the Video Service, led by Rev. Geoff McKee.

A previous version of today’s sermon can be found here.

Mark 10:35-45 (New International Version)
The Request of James and John
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with?”

39 “We can,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Video Service