On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus told the disciples about his suffering, death, and resurrection for the third time (19). However, the disciples were blinded by their own thoughts (23, Lk 18:34). When the mother of James and John asked for the seats next to him in the Kingdom, the other disciples were indignant because they felt they had cut ahead in line (24). When they said they could share in the cup Jesus was about to drink, they were thinking only of the thrones they would sit on next to the glorious seat of Jesus (19:28), not of the fulfillment of God's work (23). Their eyes still had to be opened by Jesus’ compassion and grace (34).

In Jericho, Jesus was met by two men. Although they were physically blind, they had better spiritual vision than any able-bodied person. They knew who Jesus was (31) and knew he could help them gain sight in his mercy (33).

While we are stuck on the idea of greatness in the world, the kingdom of God belongs to those who humbly seek mercy. The greatest in the Lord are those who are willing to serve, following the example of Jesus, who had come to serve and give himself up as a ransom for many (28).
Application: Father, thank you for giving up your life as a lamb of God to save us from our sins. Would you help me open my eyes to the spiritual blessings in you so I can serve others today?
One Word: Jesus came to serve