![](https://beingachildofgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/5e06d1af-6a9b-474e-b087-f34750ad8cfe-355-000000222dc66c78_file.jpg?w=750)
In Mark 10 Jesus is petitioned for several different things. The little children are being brought to him to be blessed. Contrary to the protests of his disciples, Jesus blessed the children.
Later on, James and John come to him asking to be allowed to sit on the right and left in his glory. Jesus does not grant this request.
At the end of the chapter, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus was calling out for Jesus as he passed by. Jesus had him brought forward and asked, “what do you want me to do for you?” The blind beggar wanted to regain his sight and Jesus promptly granted that request and restored his sight.
In the chapter we had at least three different kinds of requests. Two were granted, one was not. As we pray asking God to do for us, we need to examine our motivations.
Looking at the requests, you could say that maybe all three were selfish. The beggar wanted to see again, a personal benefit to himself. The parents of the children wanted them to be blessed and all of the benefits that entailed.
However, James and John must have been making a power grab. When the other disciples heard what they had asked they were “indignant.” The request and the subsequent hard feelings prompted Jesus to explain how things work in the kingdom of God.
Calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark10:42–45NASB1995
When we think about asking God to do for us, we need to remember the motives of James and John in asking for seats of power in Jesus glory. If our motives are pure we will have a better chance of God granting our petitions. “…You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James4:2–3NASB1995
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer anytime and any where. Help me to examine my motives in asking you to grant my petitions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.