Text: Mark 10:32-45
American Idol ends up being NASCAR for the creative set. All the contestants so desperately crave fame- they need glory. I have trouble watching the early episodes because of the horribly deluded people. It makes me mad that they don’t have a parent who loves them enough to tell them they can’t sing. The inevitible cry and hugging of mom who is saying, “Simon doesn’t know what he’s saying” is just wrong. In many ways Simon might have been the first parent those kids ever had. But the part I really like is watching how the really good contestants handle the approaching glory (or the disapointment). If something in society gives me hope it is often how the american people vote on this show. The winners of American Idol are usually balanced people as well as being great singers – they somehow realize that the glory of winning is something to enjoy but does not define them as people, that the glory has come at a cost already paid. The great singers who are fundamentally unhinged – who can’t deal with the glory well – usually lose and you hear about their crack up later.
In our text James and John are not dealing with the glory well. Jesus – the messiah – is heading to Jerusalem to claim his rightful throne. James and John, ignoring the Galilean teachings, get first in line to ask Jesus for a special share of the glory – the left and right thrones. Jesus has just told them what the glory will look like – the Son of Man will be killed first, and then he will rise. But James and John don’t get it. The messiah doesn’t die. He takes power. Jesus calls them on it – didn’t you just hear me? You don’t know what you are asking! (They in reality are asking to be crucified on the left and on the right.) We are able! Just like those unhinged singers who try to sing another song or start trying to beg the judges – “oh you don’t see it, we are so ready for the glory.” No they aren’t. And Jesus tells them as much. Come back later. Now is not your time. Let’s review what is necessary. “The greatest shall be the servent of all…”
Lord, the cross comes before the glory, prepare and strengthen us for the cross, so that we can handle the glory.
