He said to her, "What do you wish?" She answered him, 

"Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right

and the other at your left, in your kingdom." Jesus said in reply, 

"You do not know what you are asking. Matthew 20:21-22

Momma, Momma! Were you listening to Jesus? Do you know what you just asked? Standing on the outside looking in at this conversation today between Jesus, James, John, and their mom, you want to shake your head and think, “What are you doing?” Jesus just said to His disciples that He would be handed over and killed. And right after that, seemingly oblivious, James and John come over with their mother, who bows before Jesus wishing to ask him a question. Yet, look at her words. They don’t sound like a question. They sound like a demand. “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” That takes some courage to demand that your boys get places of honor. Granted, she was boldly seeking what she wanted from the Lord. It just doesn’t sound like a request as much as an order. I wonder if Jesus shook His head a bit as He looked at them and said, “You do not know what you are asking.” 

Were they really ready for what was coming? Jesus warns them that it isn’t about honor and glory ruling next to the king. It’s going to be about pain, suffering, and sacrifice, because to rule with Him means to serve like Him. And that calls for a radical self-gift. But even more than that, let’s go back and think about the actions of this mom and if we ever act the same way. 

We know that Jesus praises the persistent widow in another part of the bible, for never giving up asking the judge to help her. We know He says we should ask, seek, and knock. Is there anything wrong in how she approached Jesus? She came to Him and paid Him homage. That’s a good start. But, then she demands that He does what she wants without realizing what that will mean for her boys. Therein lies the issue and the lesson for us. 

Consider how you pray and make your requests known to God. Do you humbly approach and yet forcibly demand? Do you take the time to discern if what you are asking for is a good idea? Or do you want God to agree with your plans and do what you want, because you know what’s best. I can think of plenty of times where I wanted my will and I wanted Him to agree with me and do it my way. I think He’s said to me a few times, “You don’t know what you are asking.” How about you? 

Today, let’s see if we can stop and discern before we tell Jesus what He should do in our lives. Let’s listen carefully and make sure that what we want is right for us. And let’s especially be humble in our requests with an attitude of surrender. 

Reflection Questions: What do you think about this situation with the mother of James and John? Do you ever find yourself working to make things the way you believe they should be, without really listening to the Lord? Do you “ask” for something, making it sound like you want His Will in a situation, but you really want Him to pick yours? How can you work on trusting Him and letting go of control today?

Prayer: Jesus, may I ask You for something? I have this desire and need in my life. I know how I think it should play out, but I only want that if it is what You want. If You have another plan, help me to surrender to Your greater Will and be open to another way. Help me to let go of that which is not in your plan for me knowing that You know me better than I know myself and love me more than I can ever imagine. I offer You my idea, but I will be happy with Your plan, if You think it is better for me. Amen.