Mark 10:38 But Jesus said to them, You know not what you ask: can you drink of the cup that I drink of?… 1. They did ask. Whatever be thy desire, go to Him. 2. These brothers had a definite purpose in coming to Him. Our prayers are often vague and indefinite. 3. These brothers were honest and sincere in their request. What, then, was there to be blamed in the matter? They had a false conception of Christ's glory; also as to the things which were involved in the granting their request. Holiness is a character which is formed within a man; it is not a gift conferred from without. He is the highest in the peerage who has served his Master best. By the cross Christ was elevated to the throne. The text means, "Ye do not know what is implied in the terms you employ in making your request, or what is involved in granting it to you." We may have a definite object in view, we may think it good and desirable; but we cannot trace it through all its bearings; we cannot see how it would affect us if bestowed; nor can we tell what may be required from us before it can be granted. The omniscient One alone can discern what is involved in our petitions. He will answer our prayers, if not in the letter, yet in the spirit. You ask for success in life, having in mind external prosperity. But God's view of success is a very different affair; in His estimation, success consists in what a man is, not in what he has; and He gives you that success by denying you the other. You ask for forgiveness, and expect it in joy. God answers by showing you more thoroughly your sins. We pray for holiness; it comes through sore trial. Thus God answers the prayer for purity. (W. M. Taylor, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? |
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