Honor is a privilege that is commonly confused with recognition. In the Old English epic poem Beowulf, this is wonderfully illustrated by the title character’s vague understanding of what it means to be honorable. In the poem, Beowulf’s need to always prove himself a hero to his audience eventually becomes his ultimate demise. In the true voice of Solomon’s proverbial warning, Beowulf’s haughty spirit led him to his fall (Proverbs 16:18b). In the epic poem, the title character makes a rash decision to fight a ferocious creature alone, despite the fact that he was already old and king to his people. His fear of his “honor” being overshadowed by a younger and beloved knight blinded him to the responsibility he owed his people as their ruler. His unsatisfiable hunger for “eternal fame” distorted his understanding of what honor truly is. This was the case of the sons of Zebedee, James and John. Both Matthew and Mark tell us about the request made to the Master of being allowed to “sit, one on Your right hand, and the other on Your left, in Your glory” (Matthew 20:20-21, Mark 10:35-37). Like Beowulf, the brothers sought to be granted an honor above the rest of the disciples. However, the response the Lord Jesus gives to this request is one that enlightens our understanding concerning important details about honor. When asked about granting this privilege, the Lord poses the following question: “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with” (Matthew 20:22, Mark 10:38)? Observe the beginning of His question to the sons of Zebedee regarding their petition. Christ immediately reveals to them that honor is something that must be earned and not simply given. What our Lord was describing by speaking of the “cup that I drink” and of the “baptism that I am baptized with” was of the betrayal, torture, and crucifixion at the hands of those He sought to love. Alluding to this terrible moment of His mission, He attempted to open the eyes of James and John of the price He was about to pay to sit at the right hand of His Father. Although, He is God, even He earned the right to sit at the right side of God. Therefore, from the very beginning of His response, the Master was teaching His disciples how pure honor is truly gained. He opened the minds of His followers that true honor does not always transfer to human recognition or earthly pride. Instead, we are taught by the Lord that pure and true honor comes from the Father who sees all from His heavenly throne of grace. Therefore, the Master continues to teach His disciples of how to obtain this heavenly recognition: “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28). Here is the lesson that James and John were not comprehending before they made their request. What they desired was not easily attained, much less was it attained to satisfy a selfish ambition. Jesus was teaching these two brothers that true honor is bestowed upon he who serves honorably. He gives more proof of this truth by putting Himself as an example of how to serve honorably. His sole reason for being on earth was to serve mankind in his need for liberation from the bondage of sin. Therefore, the Lord “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). Here is how Jesus exhibited true honor, absent of human approval. The inspired apostle illuminates how the Master chose to serve His Father and His brethren not for public exaltation, but because He knew that it was necessary. He became humanity’s servant by taking our place on the cross, paying our debt to sin. In His question to the sons of Zebedee, our Savior strove to manifest the meaning of undefiled honor. Giving them His example makes it very clear that honor does not always equate to human glory. Instead, the apostle Paul elaborates to his readers the description of honor Christ gave James and John as he continues to illustrate the Lord’s humility in His sacrifice. Paul confirms that in an “appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). His emphasis on the type of death our Redeemer endured is meant to amplify the magnitude of His sacrifice for humanity. Biblical history teaches that anyone who died hung on a tree was to be considered cursed by God. It was a very excruciating and humiliating form of dying, and Jesus endured it not for public recognition but to fulfill His Father’s will. Hence, the reason that “God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth” (Philippians 2:9-10). Once more, this is the essence of the Lord’s response to the request of James and John. Notice how the apostle reveals that Christ’s exaltation came from God, the Father, and not humanity. The Master was honored by His Father because He earned it with His undefiled obedience. The motive behind the Lord’s decision to die on the cross was not to attain the glory that was bestowed upon Him by His Father. Unlike the sons of Zebedee, He received such divine recognition because He would have completed His mission even if He was never honored for it. This spirit of humility and duty is what brings forth true, pure honor. It is this same spirit and attitude that also allows those who are chosen to serve in the office of bishop and deacon to earn this honor. They were elected because they were already doing so in silence and meekness; not because they demanded it believing they were owed an acknowledgment for their service. In a pure form of imitating the Master, they have earned this honor because their actions were motivated by a spirit of service and not pride. These men have sincerely understood that “the Lord lifts up the humble” (Psalm 147:6a). Therefore, let us not forget the valuable lesson our Redeemer taught in word and in example concerning honor. Let us continue to serve our God honorably, not seeking recognition but rather earning it with humility and meekness.
