35 James and John, Zebedee's sons, came up to him. "Teacher, we have something we want you to do for us." 36 "What is it? I'll see what I can do." 37 "Arrange it," they said, "so that we will be awarded the highest places of honor in your glory - one of us at your right, the other at your left." 38 Jesus said, "You have no idea what you're asking. Are you capable of drinking the cup I drink, of being baptized in the baptism I'm about to be plunged into?" 39 "Sure," they said. "Why not?" 40 But as to awarding places of honor, that's not my business. There are other arrangements for that." 41 When the other ten heard of this conversation, they lost their tempers with James and John. 42 Jesus got them together to settle things down. "You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around," he said, "and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. 43 It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. 44 Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. 45 That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served - and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 10:35-45
Commentary on Mark 10:32-45
(Read Mark 10:32-45)
Christ's going on with his undertaking for the salvation of mankind, was, is, and will be, the wonder of all his disciples. Worldly honour is a glittering thing, with which the eyes of Christ's own disciples have many times been dazzled. Our care must be, that we may have wisdom and grace to know how to suffer with him; and we may trust him to provide what the degrees of our glory shall be. Christ shows them that dominion was generally abused in the world. If Jesus would gratify all our desires, it would soon appear that we desire fame or authority, and are unwilling to taste of his cup, or to have his baptism; and should often be ruined by having our prayers answered. But he loves us, and will only give his people what is good for them.