Be Careful What You Ask For

When James and John asked Jesus for the places of honor in His coming kingdom, they believed they were making a bold and faithful request. Instead, Jesus told them plainly: "You do not know what you are asking for" (Mark 10:38). Their request was not evil in itself, but it revealed their misunderstanding about what greatness in God's kingdom really means. This episode reminds us of the sobering truth: we must be careful what we ask for, because God may grant it–or refuse it–for reasons far deeper than we realize.

Old Testament Examples

1. Israel Asking for a King (I Samuel 8:4-22)

The people's request for a king seemed reasonable–they wanted to be like the other nations. Yet God told Samuel they were rejecting Him as their true King. They got what they asked for, but it came with heavy burdens: taxation, conscription, and ultimately kings who led them into sin.

2. Elijah Asking for Death (I Kings 19:4)

In despair, Elijah prayed that God would take his life. His request came from exhaustion, not faith. God refused, instead sending an angel to strengthen him. Sometimes our desperate prayers are answered with mercy rather than compliance.

3. Solomon Asking for Wisdom (I Kings 3:9-12)

In contrast, Solomon asked for wisdom to lead God's people. This was a good request, born out of humility. God not only granted wisdom but also gave riches and honor.

New Testament Examples

1. Herodias' Daughter Asking for John's Head (Mark 6:22-28)

Prompted by her mother, she asked for something wicked. The request was granted, but it brought guilt and tragedy. Some prayers, though granted, lead only to destruction.

2. The Disciples Asking About Greatness (Luke 22:24-27)

Like James and John, the others asked who among them was the greatest. Jesus turned their ambition into a lesson: true greatness is found in service, not status.

3. Paul Asking for the Thorn's Removal (II Corinthians 12:7-9)

Paul asked three times for his "thorn in the flesh" to be taken away. God denied his request but gave him something better–grace and strength in weakness. Not all "no's" are refusals; some are redirections.

Applications – Why We Must Be Careful

1. We Don't Always Know What's Best

Like James and John, our prayers may be shaped by ambition, fear, or misunderstanding. God knows the bigger picture.

2. What We Ask For Can Have Consequences

Israel's king, Herodias' request, or even our own desires–what we receive can sometimes harm us if not in line with God's will.

3. God's Refusal Is Often His Mercy

Paul's thorn, Elijah's despair–God sometimes withholds what we ask to give us what we truly need.

Conclusion

Prayer is a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. We should pray boldly, but also humbly, with hearts ready for God's answer–whether "yes," "no," or "wait." Jesus Himself modeled this in Gethsemane when He prayed, "Not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). That should be our guiding principle in every request.