464
The Desire of Ages
John, the son of Zebedee, had been one of the first two disciples
who had followed Jesus. He and his brother James had been among the
first group who had left all for His service. Gladly they had forsaken
home and friends that they might be with Him; they had walked and
talked with Him; they had been with Him in the privacy of the home,
and in the public assemblies. He had quieted their fears, delivered
them from danger, relieved their sufferings, comforted their grief, and
with patience and tenderness had taught them, till their hearts seemed
linked with His, and in the ardor of their love they longed to be nearest
to Him in His kingdom. At every possible opportunity, John took his
place next the Saviour, and James longed to be honored with as close
connection with Him.
Their mother was a follower of Christ, and had ministered to Him
freely of her substance. With a mother’s love and ambition for her
sons, she coveted for them the most honored place in the new kingdom.
For this she encouraged them to make request.
Together the mother and her sons came to Jesus, asking that He
would grant a petition on which their hearts were set.
“What would ye that I should do for you?” He questioned.
The mother answered, “Grant that these my two sons may sit, the
one on Thy right hand, and the other on the left, in Thy kingdom.”
Jesus bears tenderly with them, not rebuking their selfishness in
seeking preference above their brethren. He reads their hearts, He
knows the depth of their attachment to Him. Their love is not a mere
human affection; though defiled by the earthliness of its human chan-
nel, it is an outflowing from the fountain of His own redeeming love.
He will not rebuke, but deepen and purify. He said, “Are ye able
to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the
baptism that I am baptized with?” They recall His mysterious words,
pointing to trial and suffering, yet answer confidently, “We are able.”
They would count it highest honor to prove their loyalty by sharing all
that is to befall their Lord.
“Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism
that I am baptized with,” He said; before Him a cross instead of a
[549]
throne, two malefactors His companions at His right hand and His left.
John and James were to share with their Master in suffering; the one,
first of the brethren to perish with the sword; the other, longest of all
to endure toil, and reproach, and persecution.