In the New Testament, the theme of selfishness is notably illustrated in the actions of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were among the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Their account provides a profound insight into the human tendency towards self-interest, even among those closest to Jesus.

Request for Prominence

The most prominent account of James and John's selfishness is found in the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Matthew. In Mark 10:35-37 , it is recorded: "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and declared, 'Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.' 'What do you want Me to do for you?' He inquired. They answered, 'Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.'"

This request reveals their desire for personal glory and status in the anticipated kingdom of Christ. Their ambition was not just for proximity to Jesus but for positions of power and honor, reflecting a misunderstanding of the nature of Christ's kingdom, which is not of this world (John 18:36).

Response of Jesus

Jesus' response to their request is both corrective and instructive. In Mark 10:42-45 , He calls the disciples together and says, "You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

Here, Jesus contrasts the worldly view of leadership and greatness with the kingdom principle of servanthood. He emphasizes that true greatness in His kingdom is measured by humility and service to others, not by positions of power or authority.

Reaction of the Other Disciples

The request of James and John also stirred indignation among the other ten disciples, as noted in Mark 10:41 : "When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John." This reaction suggests that the selfish ambition of James and John was not an isolated issue but a common struggle among the disciples, highlighting the pervasive nature of selfishness.

Transformation and Legacy

Despite their initial display of selfishness, James and John underwent significant transformation through their relationship with Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. James would later become the first apostle to be martyred for his faith (Acts 12:2), demonstrating a selfless commitment to the gospel. John, known as the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23), became a leading figure in the early church and authored several New Testament writings, including the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

Their lives, post-transformation, serve as a testament to the power of Christ to redeem and redirect human ambition towards the service of God's kingdom.Mark 10:37
They said to him, Grant to us that we may sit, one on your right hand, and the other on your left hand, in your glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Dignity and Service
... James and John were members of the group of ... The gold was mingled with clay; selfishness
and love delighting in being near Him had both place in it. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/dignity and service.htm

The Law of the New Kingdom
... At every possible opportunity, John took his place next the Saviour, and James longed
to be ... tenderly with them, not rebuking their selfishness in seeking ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 60 the law of.htm

A Servant of Servants
... That His people might not be misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural
heart, and which strengthens by self ... When James and John made their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 71 a servant of.htm

With Jairus
... Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. ... and with the disciples of John,
who had ... The contact of inferior organizations, selfishness driving back the ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 21-43 with jairus.htm

The General Epistle of James
... readers for their quarrelsomeness, which results from a selfishness and lust ... Peter
had escaped out of prison, after James the brother of John had been ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of james.htm

"He Ordained Twelve"
... Peter, James, and John stood in still nearer relationship to ... the Father, and it
sufficeth us." John 14:5-8 ... grace would banish the demon of selfishness, and even ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 30 he ordained twelve.htm

James iv. 1, 2
... But James purposely, without doubt, selects the very ... The selfishness which here betrays
itself, sees in the ... And the Apostle John says: "Whosoever hateth his ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james iv 1 2.htm

Prayerless Christians
... ever a time when Peter, James and John needed to ... If James had persisted in keeping
awake it might ... dies by reason of its littleness, narrowness and selfishness. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/v prayerless christians.htm

An Evening on the Mount of Olives.
... their new leaves, and in that quiet time Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew
drew ... had chosen eternal life, but these by a life of selfishness had chosen ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxviii an evening on.htm

Life and Character of John
... alone, with Peter and his brother James, witnessed the ... [573] But when, some years
afterwards, John went to ... ambition that was not free from selfishness and pride ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 41 life and character.htm

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