As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, there was a lot of anxiety and excitement in the air. While Jesus' disciples did not fully know what to expect, they knew something big was going to happen. For the third time, Jesus told them he was going to suffer, be killed, and then be raised to life. After this, James and John's mother made a request for them to secure greatness with Jesus. Jesus took this opportunity to teach his disciples about his own view of true greatness.

Many rise to power by doing whatever it takes to get ahead of others so that they may exercise their power over them. Jesus flips this around and says that the great are those who do whatever it takes for others to get ahead. They use their power to serve rather than be served. This greatness is rooted in God's love and mercy.

When Jesus saw the blind men, he was ready to serve them even when everybody saw them as a nuisance. Jesus' greatness was his ability to love even the unlovable, hopeless, and looked down upon, and give his life for them. In this way, he gave hope and new life. He opened not only their physical eyes but spiritual eyes to see God's love and mercy.


Application: Lord, thank you for giving yourself fully to give me assurance of your love and mercy. May I be a vessel of such love to those you put in my life.
One Word: Give life.