Mark 10:35 Commentary and Bible Study

What a contrast! Very shortly after Christ has made this statement – a statement which the disciples did not fully take in, which did not dislodge from their minds the idea that he was going to have a victorious earthly kingdom and move them to see the heavenly kingdom – comes the shock. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that this request was actually made through their mother, but of course it was their own request. ‘And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. ³⁶ And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?’ The request seems designed to pin him down, not to let him refuse them what they ask.