Dr Paul Allen

Third window in the north aisle with two lights depicting the Raising of the Daughter of Jairus. This window was created by Patrick Pollen in 1958. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) “James and John the sons of Zebedee approach him, saying to him, ‘Teacher, we wish that you might do for us whatever we might ask you.’ ” The disciples James and John have previously been mentioned together, along with Jesus and Peter , in Mark 5:37 on the occasion of raising up the daughter of Jairus .  These three were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (9:2), and they will be together again in Mark 13:3 when they ask for further clarification of Jesus’ prophecy of the temple’s coming destruction.  According to Mark 3:17 Jesus surnamed James and John Boanerges, that is, the “ sons of thunder ” (on this problematical epithet, see Guelich, 161–62).  They approach Jesus, the “teacher” (διδάσκαλε—on the lips of the disciples in 4:38; 9:38; on the lips of others in 5:35; 9:17;...

The Reformed Church of France, Paris, France (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Matthew 20:20–23 “He said to them, ‘You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father’” ( v. 23 ). Matthew’s gospel has thus far revealed the disciples’ failure to comprehend the full import of Jesus’ passion predictions. Peter protested vigorously our Savior’s need to die for His people ( 16:21–23 ). Soon after hearing of Christ ’s death a second time, the disciples argued about who was the greatest among them, not who was most eager to suffer with the Messiah ( 17:22–18:6 ). By now the Twelve should know better, but they are dense and display their ignorance again immediately after Jesus predicts His death for the third time ( 20:17–19 ). This time, James and John, brothers who are uniquely close to Christ ( 17:1 ; 26:36–37 ), are the ones who grossly misunderstand what kingdom greatness really means. Th...