In earthly courts, to be nearest the king's person, was a mark of dignity and favour; and, misunderstanding still the nature of Christ's kingdom, the sons of Zebedee made this request, to the indignation of the other Apostles; who did not see why two of their number should be favoured so far beyond the rest. But Jesus rebuked them all; and told them, that His followers must not seek for power and greatness as the Gentiles did; for that those who were humble and meek were most pleasing to God. And He bid them, and all Christians in all times, follow His example; reminding them, that although he was Lord of all, He came on earth to serve men, and give His life for them. Passing through Jericho, Jesus, when he came near the town, gave sight to two blind men, who were sitting by the wayside begging. Hearing an unusual bustle, as of many people passing by, they asked what it meant; and being told that "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," they, believing in His power, cried out earnestly, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David:" and this prayer they continued to repeat, although many of those who accompanied Jesus "rebuked them, that they should hold their peace," and not trouble Him with their cries. In the Gospel accounts of this miracle, St. Mark and St. Luke only mention the healing of one blind man; but St. Matthew tells us there were two. St. Matthew, who was one of the twelve Apostles, was present on this occasion, so we may be sure that he saw two blind men healed. St. Mark and St. Luke, writing many years afterwards, only mentioned one of these men, who seems to have been the most known amongst the Jews: for St. Mark speaks of him by his name, "Bartimæus," as if those for whom he wrote would know the man, and therefore think more of the miracle, about which they could also ask him. Perhaps, too, Bartimæus is more particularly mentioned, because his faith was greater than that of his companion; for St. Mark tells us, that Jesus said to him, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." However that may be, these blind men cried to Jesus for mercy, and "Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and their eyes received sight, and they followed him," "glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God." "And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho": and now he gave another lesson to the Pharisees, against despising any of their fellow creatures. Chapter XXV.--ZACCHÆUS AND LAZARUS.