Family Bible Study - October 18th, 2009 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Passage
Mark 10:35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to
him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to
them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to
sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I
drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39 They replied,
“We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and
with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my
right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42 So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43 But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you
must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Questions for discussion
1. Jesus wants us to help everyone we can first, then think of ourselves and our
wants last. That can mean we may have to give up some things and let others
have them. Are you willing to do that for God? What are some ways we can put this into action?

2. James and John thought they could ask Jesus for special places in Heaven.
Jesus said that God chooses who will have them. What do you think makes
God happy enough to give us special places in Heaven?

3. Jesus says that if we wish to be the greatest, we must be the servant of all, in
imitation of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve, do you try to serve too?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry