Can You Drink This Cup?

How bold of James and John to ask for a special position in God’s kingdom in Mark 10:35-40. When this was our Gospel reading at church recently, I suddenly imagined myself in the scene.

Jesus was asking the boys a gulp-worthy question. “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” James and John, of course, faith giants that they were, got right with the program. “No problem. We can handle that.”

Me? I was taking the opportunity to slink into the bushes lest Jesus think I was with these two loonies. That’s because, after years of self-analysis, I’ve concluded I’m a coward at heart. I don’t like the idea of pain, suffering, persecution, opposition. I wouldn’t choose it even if it meant gaining status in the kingdom of God.

Even from my hidey-hole, however, I couldn’t escape Jesus’s next words. “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give” (Mark 10:39, NKJV). In other words, the cup and baptism were coming whether or not they were “all that” in the kingdom.

Jesus had already alluded to as much in His other teachings. There would be crosses to carry and inevitable tribulations and persecutions to endure.[1] No one who followed Him would be exempt.

The whole idea made me sigh in expectation of failure. My sense of self-preservation is so strong, I can more easily picture myself running from trouble than standing with Him in it.

I had to ask myself whether my relationship with the Lord would survive such a test. So, I began with a question. Why do I hang with Jesus?

He makes me feel good, for one thing. His acceptance and concern comfort me. He encourages me when I’m down and cheers for me when I’m up. He’s my confidante, my secret-keeper, my shoulder to cry on. It’s into His ear I whisper every hope and dream. Because of all these things, beyond all these things, I’m confident I don’t just follow Him, I love Him.

And here’s the thing. Love talks you into going places you wouldn’t ordinarily go–into doing things you wouldn’t normally do. I’ve jumped into situations I would typically have avoided because my family or my friends were involved. Love simply compelled me to stand with them. I shared their cup, though I didn’t like the taste. I swim with them, though the deep waters frightened me.

I decided, in the end, not to fuss over what challenges the Lord may require in the future. After all, when the time comes, it won’t be the taste that determines whether I drink. It will be who holds the cup. And if I have to get in over my head, love will help me take the plunge.

How about you? How do you think about the cup and baptism Jesus offers? Does the prospect excite or intimidate you?

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[1] Matthew 16:24, John 16:33, Mark 10:30