I Call Shotgun

When I think of someone being on Jesus’ left and right, I think of the thieves on the crosses to the left and right at Jesus’ crucifixion. So when Jesus asks them about the cup and baptism, he’s asking them if they can go through what he is going to go through. They think they can and Jesus says, “Man, you guys don’t know what you’re getting yourselves into.”

All they’re thinking about is the prestige and honor, not the sacrifice, trials, and hardship that comes with it. I can relate to that.

I had a good job at a company, with a good boss and pretty good pay and benefits. I learned of a position at another company. And I wanted that position. I wanted to be the “Plant Manager” of that company. I wanted the business card that said, “John Beehler, Plant Manager”. I wanted the big bucks that the position offered. I wanted that title and the big private office that came with it.

I wanted. I wanted. I wanted. Jesus said, “You don’t know what you are asking.” And I didn’t. I didn’t think about the hardship and grief that I also got. Just like James and John, it was all about me.

I called “shotgun”. I wanted the seat of honor. I wanted the prestige of, when people asked me what I did, I could say, “I’m the plant manager at Viking Products.” And I was glad to say that……for a few months. Then I slowly began to realize that all that “prestige”, the big office, and the money wasn’t worth all the garbage I had to put up with.

So in December, after 7 months of this, I called my old boss up and asked him if he had any openings. I wasn’t looking for my old job, I was looking for any job. And, surprise, he had an opening. It was as an inventory clerk, less pay and lower level than what I was doing when I left. But I was happy.

I had called “shotgun”. I was in the front seat when I hit the metal dashboard. At least it knocked some sense into me. Now I know to be careful what you ask for. God just may give it to you.

But that’s not the end of the story with James and John. No, they went to Jesus on the side, behind the others backs. And, of course, they were busted, just like when they were arguing about who is the greatest.

We all know how quickly jealousy breaks out when a small group seems to have acquired a privilege that others couldn’t share or didn’t know about. We read in verse 41, “When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.”

Scripture doesn’t say why they became indignant. It could be they were indignant because the audacity of the request. “I can’t believe they asked for the best seats.” I lean toward maybe they were upset because James and John had called “shotgun” first.

So, In response to all of this, Jesus calls all the disciples together and explains how life among them is to be lived. “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” And he further qualifies his teaching by the example of his own person and work. “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.”