James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up
to Jesus, saying, "Teacher, we want you to do
for us whatever we ask of you."
Mark 10.35
I have often thought that this request was completely selfish of James and John. But what if they were asking Jesus for "whatever we ask" in light of Jesus' prayer promises that he has taught them. Perhaps their desire to ask is not bad but what they ask for is not informed by the cross. Their desires are immature--not fully matured by the cross.
