se of this journey with a most ambitious request. The petitioners
were James and John, though according to Matthew's record their
mother[1042] was the first to ask. The request was that when Jesus came
into possession of His kingdom, He would so signally honor the aspiring
pair as to install them in seats of eminence, one on His right hand, the
other on His left. Instead of sharply rebuking such presumption, Jesus
gently but impressively asked: "Are ye able to drink of the cup that I
shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized
with?" The answer was full of self-confidence inspired by ignorant
misapprehension. "We are able," they replied. Then said Jesus: "Ye shall
drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am
baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine
to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my
Father."

The ten apostles were indignant at the two brothers, possibly less
through disapproval of the spirit that had prompted the petition than
because the two had forestalled the others in applying for the chief
posts of distinction. But Jesus, patiently tolerant of their human
weaknesses, drew the Twelve around Him, and taught them as a loving
father might instruct and admonish his contentious children. He showed
them how earthly rulers, such as princes among the Gentiles, domineer
over their subjects, manifesting lordship and arbitrarily exercizing the
authority of office. But it was not to be so among the Master's
servants; whoever of them would be great must be a servant indeed,
willingly ministering unto his fellows; the humblest and most willing
servant would be the chief of the servants. "For even the Son of man
came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a
ransom for many."[1043]

SIGHT RESTORED TO THE BLIND NEAR JERICHO.[1044]

In the course of His journey Jesus came to Jericho, at or near which
city He again exerted His wondrous power in opening the eyes of the
blind. Matthew states that two sightless men were made to see, and that
the miracle was enacted as Jesus was leaving Jericho; Mark mentions but
one blind man, whom he names Bartimeus or the son of Timeus, and agrees
with Matthew in saying that the healing was effected when Jesus was
departing from the city; Luke specifies but one subject of the Lord's
healing mercy, "a certain blind man," and chronicles the miracle as an
inciden