Mark 10:35 – What a bold request – “we want you to do whatever we ask.” Would you say that to anyone? Maybe, “can you do me a favor” or “I’d like you to do something for me”, but “do whatever we ask”? Wow.
\nMark 10:37-38 – I suspect they really didn’t know what they were asking because they misunderstood what ‘his glory’ would be. They were still thinking Earthly kingdom, they wanted to rule Israel with Him. They didn’t realize how Jesus’ kingdom would be manifest.
\nMark 10:42-45 – Jesus redefines leadership. It’s not about position, power and glory, it’s about service. Many pay lip service to this idea, especially politicians, but I wonder how many truly understand it. I suspect that those who do are leaders in character, but not in position. They lead quietly, serving those around them, silently impacting lives and advancing the kingdom. Those ‘out front;’, trumpeting their leadership are frequently not truly those leading the way.
\nMark 10:52 – It was his faith that made him well, but not until Jesus said so. His simple faith that Jesus was able to fix him. Notice, he didn’t ask if Jesus could? His ability was a given in his mind. It was only a matter of if he could get through to Jesus. He didn’t need to know how it would be done or why, he just knew Jesus could if he could get to Jesus.
\nI know I can get to Jesus, but I’m not convinced that he can. Well, in the very least, I want an explanation of how he can before I believe that he will. I know too much, and it hampers my faith. Bartimaeus had no knowledge of how his sight worked or why it wasn’t working. He didn’t need to, he just knew that Jesus could fix it. Oh, for that simple of a faith.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"