As Little Children

Children have a way of making grown-ups feel ridiculous. We adults think we're so sophisticated and intelligent; we think we have the weight of the world on our shoulders. Then we find ourselves forced to talk to a child about death, or poverty, or serious illness. We stress over what words we'll use. We imagine a Hallmark moment where the child collapses in tears into our arms. We imagine feeling strong, a refuge for their little fears; we imagine assuring them it will be alright and, in the safety of our embrace, a tentative smile -- a symbol of hope -- spreads across the child's face. Speaking as gently and carefully as we can, we finish our speech with a sigh, and in the silence that follows, the child speaks: "Can we go for ice cream if I eat all my dinner?"

In Mark 10:32-35, it almost seems as though one of those moments took place. Jesus and His disciples are walking along. He shares with them things that will occur, things that will happen to cause His death. "They will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him." Jesus is talking about Himself! Are His friends shocked? Are they fearful? Not according to Mark. "And the third day He will rise again,” Jesus tells them. Do they ask, "Rise again? What do you mean rise again?" Nope. But two of them do reply: “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”

Can you imagine Jesus' surprise? Did you hear anything I just said? Guys, I just told you I'm going to die. Unjustly. At the hands of those who will mock and beat Me. I'm going to be murdered, but I will rise again. How can you ignore what I've just said, and ask Me for a favor? 

But Jesus wasn't surprised. He didn't say those things. What He did say was, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (v. 36) No hesitation. No rebuke. Jesus simply made Himself available. This was the third occasion on which He spoke to them about His death and resurrection. This was important. He wanted His disciples to understand, and yet, He knew these men were only human. He knew they were as short-sighted as we are from time to time. He knew they couldn't even imagine the dramatic turn of events from one week to the next. He knew they were self-centered and had an earthbound way of looking at things. And He loved them. Jesus' interactions with His disciples were never about Him. In fact, His presence here on earth was never about Him. Revelation 13:8, tells us Jesus is the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world. He came to earth for mankind and for the glory of His Father. He was available. And He is today as well. He is accustomed to dealing with small minds and immature thoughts. He has seen every sort of self-centeredness there is, and He loves us anyway. He is willing and able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or imagine, if we are willing to trust and obey as little children.