Matthew climaxes this chapter that focuses so much on greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven with Jesus’ greatest of attributes, compassion. The interaction with two blind men (Mark 10 & Luke 18 refer to one man) is in stark contrast to the pride illustrated in the parable of the laborers of the vineyard, the self-serving request of the Sons of Zebedee, and the indignant jealousy of the Apostles. Where Jesus corrected selfish pride in the other scenes, here at the end of chapter twenty Jesus honors humility by taking the time to respond to requests of mercy.

The twelve apostles witness this scene, and it must have had great impact since all three of the synoptic gospels relay this miraculous healing. They would be forever impacted by Jesus’ compassion while on his way to Jerusalem. Jesus was never too busy to be insensitive to the suffering of the humble and meek. The Apostles would learn this lesson eventually as these five verses portray one of the most beautiful examples of our LORD’s loving compassion.

These five verses portray TRUE Greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Let’s read Matthew 20:29-34 together.