A few weeks ago we read in Mark chapter 9 that the disciples were arguing amongst themselves about who was the greatest amongst them. This week we hear James and John, the sons of Zebedee, ask Jesus: “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Mk 10:37.
The disciples are apparently slow to catch on to Jesus' message. Perhaps Mark repeats and repeats the point because we, too, are slow to catch on. We need constantly reminding that to be a disciple means being a servant.