For the past month in our gospel readings, Jesus has been making his way to Jerusalem. He has been preparing his disciples for what awaited him there. They have rebuked him, been afraid to ask what   he meant, and squabbled over who would have positions of leadership in his movement after he left them. Mixed in with his instruction and preparation to his disciples are stories of Jesus healing people seized with demons, disputing with the Pharisees, and lifting up the needs of children and “little ones,” those weak in their belief and new to the Christian faith. While this is happening they were slowly working their way to Jerusalem. The clock was ticking and the disciples still didn’t get it.

This morning it’s James and John, two of the inner circle, the executive committee of the twelve, t…