Mark 10:36

And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, What {G5101} would {G2309} ye that I {G3165} should do {G4160} for you {G5213}?

He said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"

“What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired.

And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

Commentary

Context of Mark 10:36

Mark 10:36 finds Jesus and His disciples on their final journey to Jerusalem, a period marked by Jesus' increasingly direct teachings about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. Immediately preceding this verse, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, have approached Jesus with an audacious request: to sit at His right and left hand in His glory. This reveals their persistent misunderstanding of the true nature of Jesus' kingdom, still expecting an earthly, political reign rather than a spiritual one founded on sacrifice. Jesus has just told them they don't know what they are asking for, a prelude to discussing the "cup" and "baptism" of suffering that awaited Him and would characterize true discipleship. This interaction occurs after Jesus' third prediction of His passion, highlighting the disciples' continued struggle to grasp the true nature of His mission (Mark 8:31; Mark 9:31).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Patience and Engagement: Despite the disciples' self-serving ambition and misunderstanding, Jesus does not rebuke them outright. Instead, He patiently engages them with a direct question, inviting them to articulate their desires. This demonstrates His gentle yet firm teaching method, designed to reveal their hearts and then correct their misconceptions.
  • Misunderstanding of Jesus' Kingdom: The question exposes the disciples' earthly perspective. They are focused on positions of power and prestige in what they believe will be a worldly kingdom, contrasting sharply with Jesus' emphasis on humility and service.
  • Setting the Stage for Deeper Truth: This seemingly simple question, "What would ye that I should do for you?", acts as a pivotal moment. It allows Jesus to transition from their misguided request to a profound teaching on the nature of true greatness in His kingdom, which involves suffering, service, and sacrifice, not earthly power. This exchange directly leads into Jesus' profound teaching on true servant leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "What would ye" is a straightforward translation of the Greek Ti thelete (τί θέλετε), which literally means "What do you want?" or "What is your desire?" The directness of the question is significant. Jesus compels them to articulate their deepest wishes, bringing their ambition and misunderstanding into the open so He can address it head-on. There's no ambiguity; it's a clear invitation to express their request.

Practical Application

Mark 10:36 serves as a powerful mirror for believers today. When we approach God in prayer or service, Jesus' question challenges us to examine our own motives. Are our requests and ambitions focused on personal gain, recognition, or comfort, or are they aligned with God's kingdom and His will? Jesus' patience with James and John also teaches us about grace and the importance of allowing God to reveal our true desires and then reshape them according to His purposes. It also challenges believers to examine their own ambitions and desires when they approach God, ensuring they align with seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, rather than earthly glory.

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Cross-References

  • John 15:7 (4 votes)

    If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

  • 1 Kings 3:5 (4 votes)

    ¶ In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

  • 1 Kings 3:15 (4 votes)

    And Solomon awoke; and, behold, [it was] a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.

  • Mark 10:51 (3 votes)

    And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.