In this sermon by Deacon Vassily, we hear how Jesus leads His disciples up to Jerusalem and tells them openly about His coming suffering, death, and resurrection. The Gospel shows that Christ goes to the Cross willingly. It also shows how easily people can misunderstand the Kingdom of God. While the Lord speaks of sacrifice, His disciples are still thinking about honor and glory.

This sermon reflects on the request of James and John, who wanted places of prominence beside Christ. Instead of granting them earthly honor, Jesus teaches that greatness in the Kingdom comes through humility, service, and sharing in His cup. The message is clear in Orthodox Christianity: the Christian life is not about status, comfort, or recognition. It is about following Christ on the path of repentance and self-offering.

The sermon also draws our attentio ...