RE Verse reading–Mark 1:19-20, 3:13-17, 10:35-45 (day seven)
“You don’t know what you are asking,” said Jesus. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” (10:38) Jesus was very patient with James and John. With us as well. Even when we make imperfect and naive requests, He responds with helpful instruction. How many times does a child have to be taught before she learns an important lesson? The Lord’s challenge to them (us) has to do with suffering that must be endured. His image is “the cup”. Normally it was a symbol of blessing (“my cup overflows”) Jesus, however, took this familiar symbol and filled it with additional meaning. For Him, it stood for suffering. “If possible, let this cup pass from me.” (Matthew 26:39) Whenever we pray, we must take into account that an answer from God may require us to drink from a cup of suffering and stuggle. Are we prepared?
