When someone begins a new job or affiliates with a new organization it is often said that he or she must “learn the ropes.” I am not certain as to the origin of this phrase: some have suggested it has a connection with learning the ropes of a sailing vessel, while others say the phrase comes from learning which ropes to pull while ringing church bells. Be that as it may, we all know the meaning of the saying; namely, that one must learn how a particular group functions before becoming a participant in it.

Jesus’ disciples had trouble learning the ropes of the kingdom of God. They assumed that these ropes were the same as that of the rest of the world. That is to say, they assumed that God’s kingdom operates like human kingdoms. James and John, in particular, had difficulty with this. One day they approached Jesus and asked to be placed in special positions of power when he began his reign as king. Jesus first points out that following him requires hardship and sacrifice; but when the other disciples begin to get angry with James and John, he also uses this as an occasion to teach something about how the kingdom of God works.

Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet is shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).