We come back to these verses because there is more for us to learn from them. The first thing we can learn is how thoughtless the favour was that James and John requested of Jesus. They only saw the glory, and their thoughts went no further. They had not thought through what it would mean. Jesus gently seeks to help them see more clearly what their request would mean for them. In verse 24 Jesus points out their thoughtlessness by telling them they do not know what they are asking, and then calls them to consider this in the question whether they could drink the cup Jesus was going to drink.

By 'cup' it is plain that Jesus is speaking of the cost of his obedience to his Father, God. His cup had already meant his humiliation in becoming a human being, but the worst was yet to come when he gave his life a ransom for our sins.

The pride and thoughtlessness of James and John is seen further in their confident answer that they could drink the cup Jesus was going to drink. They had not considered what they were claiming. Jesus was going to suffer eternal suffering to atone for the sin of many. Only Jesus could possibly do this. He alone had the courage and the strength and the power to do this. Only Jesus could possible suffer efficaciously for the sins of others. His suffering was unique. His cup was his and his alone.

Jesus overlooks this pride and ignorance, and points out that, although they can't drink the cup he was to drink, they will have to drink from his cup, and by this he meant that to follow Jesus means suffering, because to follow Jesus means conflict with the flesh, as a disciple must mortify the deeds of the body, and be obedient to Jesus. This is real suffering, but there is much more than this. The world hated Jesus, and the world also hates his disciples, and because of this all those who have been redeemed from sin and death will suffer persecution and have to go through tribulation in this world. This tribulation may vary enormously in degree, but it is real for every Christian. For James it meant he was murdered by the Jews. For John in meant he was exiled on Patmos. The New Testament tells us that all who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. If we don't, we need to ask ourselves whether we are truly living for Christ in the world. Peter speaks of this cost of following Jesus in 1 Peter 4:12ff.

How easily do we criticize each other. As soon as the other disciples heard James and John asking the favour of such importance, they were indignant. They were angry and judgemental. None of us are free from such failing, and this should cause us to be humble and repentant.

It is from this attitude in his disciples that Jesus speaks of the huge difference between greatness as seen by the world, and greatness in the the Kingdom of Christ, and as God sees greatness.

True greatness is exemplified in the life of Jesus. Although he was God he did not hold on to his glory and position, but was ready in obedience to God and for love of us poor sinners to make himself of no reputation. He was willing then to suffer from the hate of sinful human beings, and then in obedience to his Father's will become obedient to death for us. Jesus was willing to accept the accusation of sinful men and be condemned to die, not only the most painful death, but also the humiliation of such a death – the death of criminals. He was made sin for us who knew no sin, that we might be the righteousness of God in him.

Paul tells us that because he did this, God highly exalted Jesus and gave him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus ever knee should bow, in heaven and on earth.

So we see the greatness that is approved as true greatness in the eyes of God. It is not the gaining importance and power over others as is the idea in this world, but it is in being a servant, and humbly serving others to the glory of God.

This is so hard for us to take to heart. The flesh is always crying out for recognition. The flesh is always telling us that to serve and be humble will mean that we will be forgotten and despised and sidelined. Nonetheless the fact is that before God we have nothing of which to glory, and to seek glory for ourselves is just sinful pride. Blessed are those who realize this and are ready to serve without recognition. We may receive honour and recognition in this world, but few of us can handle it with humility. More often than not honour engenders pride. We take glory to ourselves instead of giving glory to God.