Against the odds

It makes you wonder what kind of impression James and John had of heaven. From Jesus’ teaching they seemed to know it was a place and it was a place of honor where some went after death. And they realized not everyone made it that glorious place.

They wanted so much to be in heaven and close to Jesus that they thought what an even better honor than to be on both sides of Jesus, one on his left and the other in his right. Not, sure where they thought the other apostles were to sit.

James and John were brothers and they didn’t want to be separated from each other nor did they want to be separated from Jesus, so why not ask even though the other apostles became quite upset of the audacity of such a question.

But Jesus uses this as a very teachable moment. See, Jesus did offer them the privilege of sharing in his suffering, but this did not mean that their sufferings would take away anyone’s sins. Jesus could only do that by his death and resurrection. But still he offered them the privilege of bearing his burdens as well as his joy and so becoming as compassionate as he was.

Heaven was their goal and heaven is our goal, and Jesus is telling us we must be the servant, humbling ourselves against the odds. Return love for any hatred against us, and love when we are misunderstood. That is humility. What could cause more pain than to love so deeply, and not be loved in return? Wasn’t that Jesus’ very act of self-giving.  He drank the cup, and want our love in return.
In our own ways, each of us is called to drink from Jesus’ cup.  Who does not face opportunities every day to do something for our brother. Who does not have opportunities to serve others and reflect on the life and love of Jesus, the humblest of all servants?

This life will pass, and those who suffered humility in this life will be first in the life to come. How can we become more like Jesus? Serve! In heaven the servants would receive the highest positions, not those with the highest honors.