James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, "Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you."

Mark 10:35 CSB

What?

What kind of question is that?

Jesus and his team are on their way to Jerusalem, & for the third time Jesus has been telling them about his death. 

For James and John the solid things in their world feel like they're unraveling. 

I don't think they can reconcile this talk of the Kingdom, the Messiah, the crowds, the healings and signs, with Jesus talk of death.

How is this all going to look in the future?

And then they ask this dumb question. 

Because they're human.

Just like us 

They had things going on in their hearts that needed expressing.

Just like us.

Especially when some of the things that seemed so solid a week ago, aren't so firm now. 

Jesus is full of grace though.

"What do you want me to do for you?" he asked them.

Mark 10:36 CSB

In our humanity & frailty we may have fears, questions, uncertainties, things we don't understand.

Jesus is full of grace, and says tell me anyway, ask me, it's OK, I know what it's like to have everything in turmoil. I stepped into turmoil so that you might have real peace.

#gospelofmark

#wordsofJesus

#grace

#livinghope

#peaceintumoil