What is greatness? In particular, what is greatness in the kingdom of God?

That is the question addressed in the passage from Matthew today.

Jesus is approached by two different groups. First, the family of Zebedee: James and John and their mother. Second, two blind men. Jesus asks both groups the same question “What do you want me to do for you?” What they request is quite revealing. And so is Jesus’ response to their requests.

The Zebedees request position, status, reward for effort. The blind men request mercy, for their eyes to be open.

Which request lines up with Jesus’ teaching previously? Which request do we tend to go to ourselves?