*Mark 10:35-52
Jesus corrects his disciples’ ambition for power, then heals a blind man while demonstrating that true greatness comes through service.
- Request of James and John:
- James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approach Jesus privately, asking him to grant them seats of honor at his right and left in his glory.
- Jesus questions whether they can drink from the same cup of suffering he will endure, to which they affirm they can.
- Jesus’s Response:
- Jesus acknowledges that they will share in his sufferings but explains that granting these seats is not his decision, as these places have already been prepared by God.
- Reaction of the Other Disciples:
- The other ten disciples become indignant when they hear about James and John’s request.
- Lesson on True Greatness:
- Jesus gathers all the disciples and contrasts the worldly model of leadership, where rulers lord power over others, with his own model of servant leadership.
- He emphasizes that whoever wants to be great among them must become a servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all.
- Jesus uses himself as the ultimate example, stating that the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
- Healing of Blind Bartimaeus:
- As Jesus leaves Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind man named Bartimaeus calls out to him, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
- Though the crowd tries to quiet him, Bartimaeus cries out even louder.
- Jesus stops, calls Bartimaeus over, and asks what he wants.
- Bartimaeus requests to regain his sight, and Jesus tells him that his faith has healed him.
- Bartimaeus immediately receives his sight and follows Jesus along the road.
Mark 10:35-52 teaches us about humility and faith. James and John wanted high positions, but Jesus showed that true greatness comes from serving others. Later, a blind man named Bartimaeus called out to Jesus with faith, and Jesus healed him. This reminds us to put others before ourselves and to trust Jesus even when life is hard. Instead of seeking status or recognition, we should focus on helping others. And like Bartimaeus, we should boldly bring our needs to Jesus, knowing He listens and cares.
Mark 10:35-52 (WEB)
10:35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came near to him, saying, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask.”36 He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”37 They said to him, “Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left hand, in your glory.”38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”39 They said to him, “We are able.”Jesus said to them, “You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; 40 but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared.”41 When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant toward James and John.42 Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 Whoever of you wants to become first among you shall be bondservant of all. 45 For the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”46 They came to Jericho. As he went out from Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out much more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!”49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him.”They called the blind man, saying to him, “Cheer up! Get up. He is calling you!”50 He, casting away his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.51 Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”The blind man said to him, “Rabboni, that I may see again.”52 Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the way.