Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Oct. 18, 2015

James and John stand alongside Jesus in this Orthodox icon of Jesus and the 12 apostles.

If you want to be in charge, be careful what you ask for. Throughout today’s readings we hear of servant leadership, sacrifice, and walking humbly with our God. Isaiah’s “Suffering Servant,” who we meet often in our readings (most recently only last month) may make us think of Jesus in his willing sacrifice to bear the sins of many. In its original context, though, Isaiah writes of the servant’s suffering in the past tense, remembering the sacrificial pain of Israel’s exile that was now coming to an end.

Psalm: Psalm 91:9-16

We hear only the second half of Psalm 91 today. Take a moment, though, to look up the preceding verses in the Psalter (Pages 719-20, BCP). There we learn of another servant who suffered, yet who received God’s protection against illness and enemies. In today’s verses, the Psalmist assures us that we gain protection by seeking refuge in God. Then, in a form that is quite unusual in the Psalms, God speaks directly in the first person, assuring the servant of God’s protection, honor and salvation.

Second Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10

The Letter to the Hebrews, likely written to lure backsliding Jewish Christians back to the early church, proclaims Christ’s role as the new high priest, one with a new covenant and new sacrifice. The fully human Jesus suffered “with loud cries and tears.” Learning obedience through suffering, he became the greatest of the line of priests that began with King Melchizedek, the first high priest named in Genesis. As the perfect image of God, Christ earned salvation for us all.

Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

Jesus nicknamed James and John “the Sons of Thunder,” and they do seem to be a fiery pair. We saw them a few weeks ago, complaining that other people were casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Now again they act clueless. They don’t ask but tell Jesus that they want to sit at his side in God’s kingdom. Jesus has news for them: To follow Jesus we must be servants, not those served; if we wish to be first, we must be the slave of all. Let’s not be too quick to judge them, though! When ambition prompts us to seek applause and praise, that might be a good time to reflect on Jesus’ way.