But to sit at My right or leftIn the context of
Mark 10, James and John request positions of honor in Jesus' glory. The right and left seats symbolize positions of power and prestige, often reserved for the most trusted and honored individuals. In ancient royal courts, sitting at the right hand of a king was a place of highest honor, indicating authority and closeness to the ruler. This request reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, as His kingdom is not of this world (
John 18:36). The disciples are still thinking in terms of earthly power structures, not the servant leadership Jesus exemplifies.
is not Mine to grant.
Jesus acknowledges His submission to the Father's will, emphasizing the divine order and the sovereignty of God in determining roles and positions in His kingdom. This statement highlights the Trinitarian relationship where the Son submits to the Father’s authority. It also reflects the humility of Christ, who, though equal with God, does not grasp at power but submits to the Father’s plan (Philippians 2:6-8). This phrase teaches about the nature of divine authority and the importance of seeking God's will above personal ambition.
These seats belong to those
This indicates that positions of honor in God's kingdom are predetermined by divine wisdom and purpose. It suggests that God has a specific plan for each individual, and roles are assigned according to His sovereign will. This aligns with the biblical theme that God has prepared good works for believers to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). It underscores the idea that human ambition cannot alter God's divine plan.
for whom they have been prepared.”
The preparation of these seats implies a divine foreknowledge and predestination, consistent with the biblical teaching that God has a plan for history and for individual lives (Romans 8:29-30). This preparation is not based on human merit but on God's grace and purpose. It reflects the biblical principle that God exalts the humble and brings down the proud (James 4:10). This phrase reassures believers that God’s plans are perfect and that He prepares roles and rewards according to His perfect wisdom and justice.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, responding to a request from James and John about positions of honor in His kingdom.
2.
James and JohnThe sons of Zebedee, two of Jesus' disciples, who asked for positions of honor in Jesus' glory.
3.
The DisciplesThe group of Jesus' followers who were present during this teaching moment.
4.
The Kingdom of GodThe spiritual realm over which God reigns, and the focus of Jesus' teachings and mission.
5.
The Prepared SeatsSymbolic of the places of honor in God's kingdom, determined by God's sovereign will.
Teaching Points
Sovereignty of GodGod's authority and sovereignty determine the roles and honors in His kingdom, not human ambition.
Humility and ServanthoodTrue greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and serving others, following Jesus' example.
Preparedness and FaithfulnessBelievers are called to be faithful and prepared for the roles God has assigned them, trusting in His perfect plan.
Eternal PerspectiveFocus on eternal rewards and God's purposes rather than earthly recognition and status.
Trust in God's PlanTrust that God has a specific plan and purpose for each believer, and that His preparation is perfect.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 10:40?
2.How does Mark 10:40 illustrate Jesus' submission to the Father's will?
3.What does Mark 10:40 teach about God's sovereignty in assigning roles?
4.How can we apply Jesus' humility in Mark 10:40 to our lives?
5.How does Mark 10:40 connect with Philippians 2:5-8 on Christ's humility?
6.How should Mark 10:40 influence our understanding of leadership and servanthood?
7.What does Mark 10:40 reveal about God's sovereignty in assigning places of honor in heaven?
8.How does Mark 10:40 challenge the concept of predestination versus free will?
9.Why does Jesus say certain positions are "prepared" in Mark 10:40?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 10?
11.How do we reflect during the 40 days of Lent?
12.Does the association of the wise with the 'right' and fools with the 'left' (Ecclesiastes 10:2) reflect outdated cultural biases, and how does it align with modern moral or ethical views?
13.Matthew 20:20-21 - Why does Matthew mention the mother of James and John making this request, while Mark 10:35-37 portrays the brothers themselves asking?
14.What is Ascension Day?What Does Mark 10:40 Mean
But to sit at My right or leftJesus speaks of literal places of highest honor in His coming Kingdom. His disciples knew the “right and left” signified supreme proximity to the King (cf.Psalm 110:1;Matthew 25:31).
Key ideas:
• Scripture consistently pictures the right hand as a seat of authority and favor (1 Kings 2:19;Psalm 16:11).
•Revelation 3:21 and 20:4 show that real thrones and delegated rule await the faithful.
• The request of James and John (Mark 10:35-37) exposed a desire for prominence, reminding us that greatness in God’s economy is never self-appointed.
is not Mine to grantThe Son, though fully divine, models perfect submission within the Godhead (John 5:19;Philippians 2:6-8). Allocation of honor rests with the Father’s sovereign discretion (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
Consider:
• Jesus refuses to bypass the Father’s will, illustrating true servanthood.
• Kingdom assignments come from divine authority, not human ambition.
• His words redirect the disciples (and us) from position-seeking to humble service (Mark 10:42-45).
These seats belong to thoseThe honors already have owners known to God.Ephesians 2:10 andRomans 8:29-30 reveal His advance preparation of both people and works.
Takeaways:
• Reward is personal—“those” are specific individuals.
• God’s foreknowledge never negates our responsibility; faithful stewardship still matters (Matthew 25:21;Luke 19:17).
• Assurance grows when we realize God has not overlooked any labor done for His name (Hebrews 6:10).
for whom they have been prepared.Preparation underscores certainty and intentional design (Matthew 20:23;John 14:2;1 Corinthians 2:9).
Truths to embrace:
• Every role in the Kingdom fits perfectly within God’s eternal plan (2 Corinthians 5:10).
• Divine preparation highlights both God’s justice and grace—rewards match deeds, yet flow from mercy (Romans 2:6-7;1 Corinthians 15:10).
• Rather than striving for titles, believers pursue faithfulness, trusting God’s meticulous arrangements.
summaryMark 10:40 shows that places of honor beside Christ are real, priceless, and already assigned by the Father. Jesus, operating in willing submission, reminds us that greatness is God-given, not self-claimed. Our task is simple: serve humbly, remain faithful, and trust the One who has prepared every reward long before we even began the race.
(40)
But it shall be given to them.--Better, omitting the interpolated words,
is not Mine to give, but to those for whom it has been prepared. Our Lord disclaims, not the power to give, but that of giving arbitrarily, otherwise than His Father willed.
Verse 40. -
But to sit on my right hand or on my left hand is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared. The Arians gathered from this that our Lord was not of one substance with the Father. But this arose from a misunderstanding of the words. For the antithesis is not here between Christ and the Father; but between James and John on the one side ambitiously seeking the pre-eminence, and those on the ether side to whom it ought of right to be given. St. Jerome wisely says, "Our Lord does not say, 'Ye shall not sit,' lest he should put to shame these two. Neither does he say, 'Ye shall sit,' lest the others should be envious. But by holding out the prize to all, he animates all to contend for it." Our Lord is also careful to point out that he who humbles himself shall be exalted. But Christ is the Giver, not indeed by way of favor to any one who asks, but according to the eternal and unalterable principles laid down by the Father. That Christ is the Giver is plain from St. Luke (
Luke 22:29). "I appoint unto you a kingdom, even as my Father appointed unto me."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.to sitκαθίσαι(kathisai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2523:Another form for kathezomai; to seat down, i.e. Set; intransitively, to sit; figuratively, to settle.atἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.rightδεξιῶν(dexiōn)Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1188:On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.orἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.[My] leftεὐωνύμων(euōnymōn)Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2176:From eu and onoma; properly, well-named, i.e. The left; neuter as adverbial, at the left hand.isἔστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.notοὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.Mineἐμὸν(emon)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Neuter 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1699:My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.to grant.δοῦναι(dounai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.[These places belong] to those for whomοἷς(hois)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.they have been prepared.”ἡτοίμασται(hētoimastai)Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2090:To make ready, prepare. From hetoimos; to prepare.
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NT Gospels: Mark 10:40 But to sit at my right hand (Mar Mk Mr)