And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that a "great multitude" followed Jesus as he left Jericho. What's often missed is that this crowd wasn't just a random collection of people; many were likely pilgrims heading to Jerusalem for the Passover, and their presence amplifies the significance of the miracle that's about to unfold.
And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus and his disciples leave Jericho, a large crowd is following him. This happens immediately after Jesus had been discussing his impending suffering with his disciples, and right before he encounters two blind men who cry out for healing as he passes by.
Why does Matthew pinpoint Jericho as the starting point for this journey? This ancient city held a complex history, a place of both promise and curse.
Jericho, situated in a lush oasis near the Jordan River, was a strategically important and ancient city. Its history was deeply rooted in Israel's past, marked by Joshua's conquest and a prophetic curse on its rebuilder. Despite periods of revival, like Elisha's miracle with the water, the road leading away from it was known for its danger. Jesus' journey from this significant, complex location towards Jerusalem adds a layer of meaning to the events that unfold.
A 'great crowd' followed Jesus as he left Jericho. Who were these people, and why were they there?
The 'great multitude' wasn't just a random collection of onlookers. This crowd likely consisted of pilgrims heading to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, along with people Jesus had previously ministered to. Their presence signifies the growing impact of Jesus' ministry. As they followed him, they became witnesses to the miracles and teachings that would culminate in Jerusalem. This gathering crowd underscores the public nature of Jesus' final journey and the anticipation building around his arrival in the city.
This moment isn't just about geography; it's about a spiritual movement. What does following Jesus truly look like?
The 'great crowd' following Jesus away from Jericho is part of his determined path towards Jerusalem and the cross. This journey is not a retreat, but a deliberate advance. Those who followed him, like the blind men who would soon cry out for mercy, were drawn to him by his power and compassion. Their following signifies a response to Jesus' call – a call that ultimately leads to transformation, healing, and a new way of life centered on Him. The act of following, especially after receiving healing, becomes a declaration of faith and gratitude.
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Jericho, a city with a rich and sometimes tumultuous history, served as a pivotal location for Jesus' final journey towards Jerusalem. The events surrounding his departure, particularly the healing of the blind men and the large crowds following him, underscore the growing attention and impact of his ministry as he approached the city of his ultimate purpose.
c. 1400 BC
Jericho Destroyed and Cursed
After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, the city of Jericho was destroyed by Joshua, who pronounced a curse on anyone who would rebuild it. This event marked a significant early moment in Israel's conquest of Canaan.
c. 860 BC
Jericho Rebuilt
Despite Joshua's curse, the city of Jericho was rebuilt during the time of King Ahab, fulfilling the prophecy and marking a period of continued biblical history for the city.
c. 8th Century BC
Elisha Purifies Jericho's Waters
The prophet Elisha performed a miracle in Jericho, purifying its bitter spring, which brought relief and sustenance to the city and its inhabitants.
c. 4 BC
Herod the Great Dies in Jericho
King Herod the Great, known for his extensive building projects and a brutal reign, died in Jericho. His death occurred shortly before Jesus' birth, marking a significant political event in Judea.
Early 1st Century AD— this verse
Jesus Travels Through Jericho
Jesus journeys through Jericho, a significant city known for its fertility and as a vital stop on routes to Jerusalem. This journey is marked by encounters that highlight his ministry.
Early 1st Century AD
The Miracle of Bartimaeus
As Jesus departed from Jericho, he encountered and healed two blind men, most notably Bartimaeus. This powerful act of compassion and restoration occurred just before Jesus' final approach to Jerusalem.
This passage parallels Matthew's account of Jesus departing from Jericho and being followed by a crowd, specifically mentioning the encounter with blind Bartimaeus.
Luke 18:35Luke's Gospel also describes Jesus approaching Jericho and a blind man crying out, highlighting the common theme of Jesus' healing ministry drawing attention as he traveled.
John 12:12This verse describes a great crowd following Jesus on his way to Jerusalem, mirroring the large gatherings that accompanied him, especially as he neared the city.
Matthew 21:8-11Following the account of leaving Jericho and the healing miracles, this passage shows the massive crowd that followed Jesus into Jerusalem, demonstrating the growing popularity and expectation surrounding him.
barnesMatthew 20:29: "And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him."
See Mark 10:46-52 , and Luke 18:35-43 ; Luke 19:1 , where this account of his restoring to sight two blind men is also recorded. "And as they departed from Jericho." This was a large town about eight miles west of the Jordan, and about 19 miles northeast from Jerusalem. Near to this city the Israelites crossed the Jordan when they entered into the land of Canaan, Joshua 3:16 . It was the first city taken by Josh…
bensonMatthew 20:29: "And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him."
Matthew 20:29 . And as they departed from Jericho — As he went out of Jericho with his disciples: (Mark,) behold two blind men — Mark and Luke mention only one of them, blind Bartimeus, who, it seems, was far the more eminent of the two, and spoke for both. These blind men, hearing the multitude pass by, asked what it meant, ( Luke 18:36 ,) and being told that Jesus of Nazareth passed by, they cried, saying, Hav…
The verse highlights that a "great multitude" followed Jesus as he left Jericho. What's often missed is that this crowd wasn't just a random collection of people; many were likely pilgrims heading to Jerusalem for the Passover, and their presence amplifies the significance of the miracle that's about to unfold.
As Jesus and his disciples leave Jericho, a large crowd is following him. This happens immediately after Jesus had been discussing his impending suffering with his disciples, and right before he encounters two blind men who cry out for healing as he passes by.
As Jesus and his disciples leave Jericho, a large crowd is following him. This happens immediately after Jesus had been discussing his impending suffering with his disciples, and right before he encounters two blind men who cry out for healing as he passes by.
"And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him." — The verse highlights that a "great multitude" followed Jesus as he left Jericho. What's often missed is that this crowd wasn't just a random collection of people; many were likely pilgrims heading to…
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Last reviewed October 2026