For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
There is something incredibly likable about the two brother, their tongue in cheek nickname (sons of thunder) and their total enthusiasm for a man with a message they just don't seem to be able to grapple with. Though fisherman, they were the business owners sons, headstrong and excitable, when asked to leave and follow they know the hired help will fill in for them. Then in Luke we get this wonderful show as they wrestle with the power of Jesus and the reaction of the people.
Then comes their second faux pas. This one really upsetting the other disciples. Looking to their own future they pull Jesus aside and ask for the chairs to his right and left, the chairs nearest his throne. Obviously Jesus makes a polite excuse, says the matter is out of his hands, probably shakes his head in disbelief, knowing the throne he's presently headed to is an executioners cross. When the news gets around the travelling crowd and the others realise how the brother's wanted to lord it over them Jesus has to step in an teach them about true greatness.
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
The kids song tells us that we're special because God has loved us, but that doesn't mean the person next to you isn't special, actually, if God's love is a measure then we are all ordinary because we are all loved. The Christian music scenes makes the same claims, we are the set apart people of God, capable of 'so much more'. In some respects they are right, we are loved, with God we can do extraordinary things, but because of him not us. If we strive to be brighter stars then we are simply putting ourselves at the back of God's queue.
Being diligent, a hard worker, committed, achieving, and successful are all positives, not only socially but biblically. We should no more waste our talents than boast in them. And yet, here in this passage we're told not to aim high but to accept lowness, that the mundane tasks of the slave are highly valued in God's eyes. And so the circle continues, perhaps it explains why the camel and the eye of the needle is such a misunderstood saying.