Lesson text: Mark 10:35-52
James and John ask Jesus to allow them to sit at His right and left hand in glory. While this angers the other disciples, Jesus sees a teaching opportunity. He explains that greatness in God’s kingdom is based on service, not authority. Jesus Himself had come to earth to serve, not to be served by others. The pinnacle of His service would be His death on the cross. Soon after this, the group passes through Jericho before beginning the ascent to Jerusalem. A blind man named Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus, using the title “Son of David.” Other tell him to leave Jesus alone, but Jesus calls Bartimaeus over. Ultimately Jesus heals Bartimaeus, who then proceeds to follow Jesus toward Jerusalem.
Header image by Shelley Pauls on Unsplash.