◄ Mark 10:39 ►
"We can," the brothers answered. "You will drink the cup that I drink," Jesus said, "and you will be baptized with the baptism that I undergo.
Study Bible
“We can,” the brothers answered.

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, respond confidently to Jesus' question about their ability to share in His suffering. This reflects their ambition and perhaps a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' mission. Their response is reminiscent of Peter's bold declarations of loyalty, highlighting a common theme of overconfidence among the disciples. This moment underscores the human tendency to underestimate the cost of discipleship and the depth of commitment required to follow Christ.

Luk 22:33 “Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You…”…
Rom 8:17 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God…
1Pe 4:13 But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ,…

“You will drink the cup that I drink,” Jesus said,

The "cup" is a metaphor for suffering and divine wrath, often used in the Old Testament (e.g., Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17). Jesus refers to His impending suffering and crucifixion. By stating that James and John will also drink this cup, Jesus prophesies their future trials and martyrdom. James would later be martyred by Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:2), and John would face persecution and exile. This phrase emphasizes the cost of following Jesus and the shared destiny of suffering for His sake.

Jhn 18:11 “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter.…
Mat 26:39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed,…
Psa 75:8 For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine…

“and you will be baptized with the baptism that I undergo.

The term "baptism" here symbolizes being overwhelmed by suffering, akin to being submerged in water. Jesus speaks of His impending death and the overwhelming nature of His sacrifice. This baptism is not one of water but of suffering and death, aligning with the imagery of baptism as a form of identification with Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). The disciples' future experiences would mirror this, as they would face persecution and trials for their faith. This phrase highlights the theme of identification with Christ in His sufferings, a key aspect of Christian discipleship.

Luk 12:50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am…
Rom 6:3-4 Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized……
1Co 10:2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to the request of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, regarding positions of honor in His kingdom.

2. James and John
The sons of Zebedee, also known as the "Sons of Thunder," who are seeking positions of prominence in Jesus' kingdom.

3. The Cup and Baptism
Metaphors used by Jesus to describe the suffering and trials He will endure, which James and John will also experience.

4. The Disciples
The broader group of Jesus' followers who are present and later react to the request of James and John.

5. Jerusalem
The city where Jesus is heading, and where His ultimate suffering, death, and resurrection will occur.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus involves sharing in His sufferings. The "cup" and "baptism" symbolize the trials and sacrifices inherent in true discipleship.

The Nature of True Greatness
Jesus teaches that greatness in His kingdom is not about positions of power but about serving others and being willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel.

The Role of Suffering in the Christian Life
Suffering is not only expected but is a means through which believers are conformed to the image of Christ. It is a participation in His redemptive work.

Faithfulness in Trials
Like James and John, believers are called to remain faithful through trials, trusting in God's purpose and strength.

The Promise of Resurrection
Just as Jesus' suffering led to His resurrection, believers can have hope that their trials will lead to spiritual growth and eternal life.
Bible Study Questions
1. What do the metaphors of the "cup" and "baptism" reveal about the nature of Jesus' mission and the cost of following Him?

2. How does the request of James and John reflect a misunderstanding of Jesus' teaching on greatness and servanthood?

3. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to "drink the cup" and undergo the "baptism" that Jesus speaks of in our own lives?

4. How does the example of James' martyrdom in Acts 12:2 illustrate the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in Mark 10:39?

5. How can Romans 6:3-4 help us understand the significance of baptism as it relates to sharing in Christ's death and resurrection?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 20:22-23
This parallel account provides additional context to the request of James and John and Jesus' response.

Luke 12:50
Jesus speaks of a baptism He must undergo, indicating the suffering He will face.

Acts 12:2
James, one of the sons of Zebedee, is martyred, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy of sharing in His suffering.

Romans 6:3-4
Paul speaks of baptism as a symbol of sharing in Christ's death and resurrection, connecting to the idea of undergoing a baptism of suffering.
Sermons
A Religion Which Develops the Fit and the UsefulA. H. Powell, M. A.Mark 10:35-45
AmbitionE. Johnson Mark 10:35-45
Christ a ServantT. Kidd.Mark 10:35-45
Christ's Last Journey to JerusalemE. B. Mason.Mark 10:35-45
Greatness Realized in Humble ServiceM. D. Hoge, D. D.Mark 10:35-45
Servant of AllMark 10:35-45
The Ambition of the Apostles: the Sons of ZebedeeJ.J. Given Mark 10:35-45
The Greatness of ServiceC. S. Robinson, D. D.Mark 10:35-45
The Post of HonorR. Green Mark 10:35-45
The Request of the Sons of ZebedeeA. Rowland Mark 10:35-45
The Servant of AllM. D. Hoge, D. D.Mark 10:35-45
People
Bartimaeus, David, James, Jesus, John, Peter, Timaeus, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Jericho, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Road to Jerusalem
Topics
Able, Baptised, Baptism, Baptized, Cup, Drink, Indeed, Replied, Undergo, Withal
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 10:35-40

     1270   right hand of God
     5882   impartiality

Mark 10:35-41

     7025   church, unity

Mark 10:35-45

     2060   Christ, patience of
     5937   rivalry

Mark 10:35-48

     5554   status

Mark 10:38-39

     1135   God, suffering of
     4435   drinking

Library
June 21 Morning
Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps.--I Peter 2:21. Even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.--Whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. Jesus of Nazareth . . . went about doing good.--Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The meekness and gentleness of Christ.--In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do.--Be …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 19 Evening
Gold tried in the fire.--REV. 3.18. There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.--Now for …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Christ on the Road to the Cross
'And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed they were afraid.' --Mark x. 32. We learn from John's Gospel that the resurrection of Lazarus precipitated the determination of the Jewish authorities to put Christ to death; and that immediately thereafter there was held the council at which, by the advice of Caiaphas, the formal decision was come to. Thereupon our Lord withdrew Himself into the wilderness which stretches south …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Bartimaeus
Blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.'--Mark x. 46. The narrative of this miracle is contained in all the Synoptical Gospels, but the accounts differ in two respects--as to the number of men restored to sight, and as to the scene of the miracle. Matthew tells us that there were two men healed, and agrees with Mark in placing the miracle as Jesus was leaving Jericho. Mark says that there was one, and that the place was outside the gate in departing. Luke, on the other …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

An Eager Coming
'And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.'--Mark x. 50. Mark's vivid picture--long wail of the man, crowd silencing him, but wheeling round when Christ calls him--and the quick energy of the beggar, flinging away his cloak, springing to his feet--and blind as he was, groping his way. I. What we mean by coming to Jesus:--faith, communion, occupation of mind, heart, and will. II. How eagerly we shall come when we are conscious of need. This man wanted his eyesight: do we not want …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Love's Question
'What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?'--Mark x. 51. 'What wilt Thou have me to do!'--Acts ix. 6. Christ asks the first question of a petitioner, and the answer is a prayer for sight. Saul asks the second question of Jesus, and the answer is a command. Different as they are, we may bring them together. The one is the voice of love, desiring to be besought in order that it may bestow; the other is the voice of love, desiring to be commanded in order that it may obey. Love delights in knowing, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Children and Childlike Men
'And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.' --Mark x. 13-15. It was natural that the parents should have wanted Christ's blessing, so …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Almost a Disciple
'And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him. Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life! 18. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou Me good! there is none good but one, that is, God. 19. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20. And he answered and said unto Him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dignity and Service
'And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that Thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36. And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37. They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left hand, in Thy glory. 38. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of! and he baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with! 39. And they said …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

November the Second Leading to Christ
"Suffer little children to come unto Me." --MARK x. 13-22. "Unto Me!" We must not keep them at any half-way house. We are so prone to be satisfied if only we bring them a little way along the road. If we get them to pray! If we get them to attend the Lord's house! If we get them to be truthful and gentle! All of which is unspeakably good. It is a blessed thing to be in "the ways of Zion"; it is a far more blessed thing to be in the palace with Zion's King and Lord. When we are dealing with little …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Lord Our Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:6 -- "The Lord our Righteousness." Whoever is acquainted with the nature of mankind in general, or the propensity of his own heart in particular, must acknowledge, that self- righteousness is the last idol that is rooted out of the heart: being once born under a covenant of works, it is natural for us all to have recourse to a covenant of works, for our everlasting salvation. And we have contracted such devilish pride, by our fall from God, that we would, if not wholly, yet in part at …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Children Brought to Christ, and not to the Font
The Scripture before us is by several of the champions on the other side exhibited to the people as a rebuke to me. Their reasoning is rather ingenious than forcible: forsooth, because the disciples incurred the displeasure of Jesus Christ by keeping back the little children from coming to Him, therefore Jesus Christ is greatly displeased with me, and with all others like me, for keeping children from the font, and the performance there enacted; and specially displeased with me for exposing the Anglican …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

The Blind Beggar
This morning I shall address myself most particularly to the poor and blind souls here to-day. The poor blind man's faith described in this passage of Scripture, is a fit picture of the faith which I pray God you may be enabled to exert to the saving of your souls. We shall notice the origin of his faith, how his faith perceived its opportunity when Jesus passed by; we shall listen to his faith while it cries and begs; we shall look upon his faith while it leaps in joyous obedience to the divine …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

The Hardness of the Way.
"Children, how hard is it!"--St. Mark x. 24. I suspect there is scarcely a young man rich and thoughtful who is not ready to feel our Lord's treatment of this young man hard. He is apt to ask, "Why should it be difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven?" He is ready to look upon the natural fact as an arbitrary decree, arising, shall I say? from some prejudice in the divine mind, or at least from some objection to the joys of well-being, as regarded from the creatures' side. …
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Domestic Relation.
When we speak of home life with its relations and duties we are not digressing from the subject of gospel light. Nowhere does the light of Christianity shine so peaceful and beautiful as in the home. Nowhere is the power of its influence so felt as in the home circle. The public worship of Christians is an inspiring scene, but nothing apparently is so heavenly as the sacred family altar. A father and mother whose hearts are filled with holy love together with happy, obedient children bowing together …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

The Careless Sinner Awakened.
1, 2. It is too supposable a case that this Treatise may come into such hands.--3, 4. Since many, not grossly vicious, fail under that character.--5, 6. A more particular illustration of this case, with an appeal to the reader, whether it be not his own.--7 to 9. Expostulation with such.--10 to 12. More particularly--From acknowledged principles relating to the Nature of Got, his universal presence, agency, and perfection.--13. From a view of personal obligations to him.--14. From the danger Of this …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Value of Life
Whatever our present conceptions of Jesus Christ may be, we ought to approach our study of his teachings with a sense of reverence. With the slenderest human means at his disposal, within a brief span of time, he raised our understanding of God and of human life to new levels forever, and set forces in motion which revolutionized history. Of his teachings we have only fragments, but they have an inexhaustible vitality. In this course we are to examine these as our source material in order to discover, …
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

Tenth Lesson. What Wilt Thou?'
What wilt thou?' Or, Prayer must be Definite. And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?'--Mark x. 51; Luke xviii. 41. THE blind man had been crying out aloud, and that a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.' The cry had reached the ear of the Lord; He knew what he wanted, and was ready to grant it him. But ere He does it, He asks him: What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?' He wants to hear from his own lips, not only the general petition …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who have Visited Canada--Stewardship.
Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who have visited Canada--Stewardship. The fallowing plain answers to practical questions, are written by those well acquainted with the work:-- I. "Are these children really street Arabs? If not, where do you find so many?" In the early days of the work, before the establishment of School Boards and kindred institutions, a large proportion of the children were actually taken from the streets. Now, the rescue work begins farther back, …
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers

The Journey to Jerusalem
"And they went in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them; and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid."--Mark 10:32. "Jesu, was hat dich getrieben." [38]Laurentius Laurenti. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1855 Jesus! what was that which drew Thee To Jerusalem's ancient gate? Ah! the love that burned so truly, Would not suffer Thee to wait! On Thou journeyedst, thus securing Me a city more enduring! To my spirit now draw nearer, Lord, as to Jerusalem! Let each moment …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

The Footsteps
"Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of."--Mark x. 39. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Behold, My bride, how fair My mouth, Mine eyes; My heart is glowing fire, My hand is grace-- And see how swift My foot, and follow Me. For thou with Me shalt scorned and martyred be, Betrayed by envy, tempted in the wilds, And seized by hate, and bound by calumny; And they shall bind thine eyes lest thou should'st see, By hiding Mine eternal truth from thee. And they shall scourge …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

Links
Mark 10:39 NIV
Mark 10:39 NLT
Mark 10:39 ESV
Mark 10:39 NASB
Mark 10:39 KJV

Mark 10:39 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Mark 10:38
Top of Page
Top of Page