Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

Jesus and His disciples are on the road going up to Jerusalem. Mark tells us that as they were going up, they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. But why the disciples were amazed, and why those who followed were afraid, Mark doesn't tell us. But perhaps it is for the same reason. They are amazed that He is, and afraid that He is. And after three days He will rise. But what does that mean? So it may seem like an odd time for James and John to approach Jesus with their request. They want to be close to Him in His glory. He doesn't rebuke them for their request -- it's just that they don't understand what they are asking for.