Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 10:40

"but to sit on my right hand or on [my] left hand is not mine to give; but [it is for them] for whom it hath been prepared." — Mark 10:40 (ASV)

With a confident “We can,” the disciples answered Jesus’ question about going through the suffering of his passion. How naive! James and John failed to understand what was involved in Jesus’ sufferings, though they would indeed participate in them. But to grant them privileged positions in his kingdom was not within his authority. Jesus refused to usurp the authority of his Father.