The answer is: To sit on his right and left hand in the kingdom

Mark 10:35-37

In Mark 10:35-37, James and John, the "Sons of Thunder," boldly approached Jesus with a pretty audacious request—to sit at his right and left in glory. Picture the scene: here are two brothers, deeply inspired by Jesus, asking for positions of power in the kingdom. While this request might seem a bit self-promoting, it actually shines light on human desire for status and recognition.

Jesus, however, had a lesson in humility in school that day. He knew this request would irk the other disciples, as they struggled with jealousy and competition for favor. It's fascinating to think about how this reflects not only the dynamics within the group but also reveals an underlying desire that many of us feel: the yearning for recognition.

What’s interesting is that Jesus declared that greatness in his kingdom wasn’t about who sits where, but about serving others. This kind of reversal of expectations is a key theme in the teachings of Jesus—think about the parable of the Good Samaritan or the image of the shepherd and his sheep.

Fun fact: the early Christian community grappling with roles and authority wasn’t entirely different from how we navigate relationships today. Who doesn’t want their voice to be heard or acknowledged? It's a timeless issue, indicating that these stories are relevant 2,000 years later, reminding us to check our motives and perhaps to serve rather than to seek power.