As we continue to explore the people around Jesus and the questions that they asked him, we turn this week directly to the disciples themselves. We started the month with a story of the Pharisees who came to Jesus asking questions in order to test him. Last week, we heard from a potential follower who wanted to know what he needed to do to gain eternal life. This morning we hear a request from the sons of Zebedee and the aftermath of their questions among the entire group of disciples.
Today’s reading follows just a few verses from where last week’s readings ended (see Mark 10:35-45). Last week, you may recall, the reading ended with Peter pointing out that the disciples had left everything behind to follow Jesus. Jesus then tells them how anyone who gives up family and home and work in order to follow him will receive back one hundred fold family and home and work (with suffering!) in this life and the age to come.
This of course makes a certain amount of sense given that Jesus is talking about the kingdom of God that is coming into the world. Let’s think for a moment about Jesus’ description here in light of all that Jesus has tried to get them to understand. In the kingdom, who is our family? Where is our home? What is our work? Is it any wonder that we will gain far more of those in the kingdom than what we may have left behind to follow Jesus? Jesus even makes it clear that the way of the kingdom of God will not be easy. Again, given that it is often in direct opposition to the ways of this world in so many ways, is that really surprising?