Mark 10:35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

On the surface, it appears that James and John were demanding Jesus to do something for them. It seems so disrespectful. But notice, Jesus didn’t rebuke them. He asked them what they wanted. How could they talk to Jesus in this manner? Didn’t they know He is the Son of God?

John and James were able to talk to Jesus in this manner because they were in close relationship with Him. They realized He is not a respecter of persons. If Jesus can heal and deliver random people, surely He could do something for them. Although John and James had selfish motives in their request, Jesus was willing to do whatever they asked.

When we have a close relationship with God through Jesus, God is willing to do whatever we ask. Jesus makes this clear in the very next chapter of Mark 11:24 which says, therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. We must ask ourselves the following questions: Are we asking the Father? Do we believe? Have we received?

Ask for the desires of your heart and know that, through Jesus, God is willing to answer your request.