Matthew 20:29 Meaning Explained

Matthew 20:29

And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him.

English Standard Version (ESV)

This verse isn't just about Jesus leaving a town; it highlights the immense, swirling crowd that constantly accompanied him. This "great multitude" wasn't just passive onlookers but a dynamic force, sometimes pressing in, sometimes quieting others, and ultimately witnessing the miracles that defined Jesus' ministry.

What Matthew 20:29 means

Jesus is leaving Jericho, a city teeming with people, and a large crowd is following him on the road toward Jerusalem. This moment immediately precedes Jesus encountering and healing two blind men who cry out for mercy.

More Than Just a Big Crowd

Imagine walking with Jesus, surrounded by a throng of people. What does this 'great crowd' represent, and why is it important?

The text tells us a 'great crowd' followed Jesus as he left Jericho. This isn't just a random group of onlookers; it's a picture of the diverse responses to Jesus.

A Mix of Motives

Pilgrims: Jericho was a bustling town, and many people were heading toward Jerusalem for the Passover festival. This crowd likely included many devout Jews on the same journey.
Curious Onlookers: Jesus's miracles and teachings had generated significant buzz. People were drawn by curiosity, wanting to see the man who was performing wonders.
Those Seeking Hope: Within this large group were individuals with deep needs, like the blind men mentioned later. They were looking for healing, relief, and a breakthrough.

This vibrant, swirling crowd highlights the magnetic pull Jesus had, drawing people from all walks of life for different reasons.

Jericho: A Place of Transition and Hope

Why does the Bible mention Jericho specifically? What's the significance of this ancient city in the story?

The setting of Jericho is more than just a backdrop; it's a place loaded with history and symbolism, particularly as Jesus passes through.

A City of Contrasts

Historical Significance: Jericho was an ancient city with a storied past, known for its abundance and proximity to the Jordan River crossing – a place of new beginnings for Israel.
A Place of Blindness: Historically, Jericho was also associated with a curse and was rebuilt, perhaps symbolizing a place needing redemption. It's here, as Jesus departs, that he encounters blind men.

Historical context

Written: Likely between 60-90 AD.
Author: Matthew the Apostle, traditionally understood, though some scholars suggest a later compilation.
Location: Written likely in Antioch or Caesarea Maritima, concerning events that occurred in Jericho and Galilee, Judea.
Genre: Gospel (narrative with theological reflection) featuring dialogue and miracles.

Historical background

Jericho, a city with a complex history of destruction, rebuilding, and prophecy, serves as the backdrop for Jesus' powerful miracle of healing the blind men as he departs the city, highlighting the transition from blindness to sight and from the old to the new.

c. 1400 BC
Destruction of Jericho
Jericho was destroyed by Joshua and the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land, with a curse pronounced on anyone who would rebuild it.
c. 870 BC
Rebuilding of Jericho
The curse was fulfilled in the days of King Ahab when Jericho was rebuilt, albeit in a more humble state.
c. 1st century BC
Herod the Great's Death
Herod the Great died in Jericho, a city he had significantly developed and expanded.
Unknown, but likely shortly before Jesus' ministry
Elisha's Miracle at Jericho
The prophet Elisha purified the bitter waters near Jericho, demonstrating God's power and care for the region.
Early 1st century AD

Key themes

01Jesus' growing fame
02Crowd dynamics
03The journey to Jerusalem

Cross-references

Mark 10:46

This passage describes the same event, highlighting Jesus' departure from Jericho and the crowds following Him, specifically mentioning the blind man Bartimaeus.

Luke 18:35

Luke's account also places the healing of the blind man near Jericho, though it describes Jesus as approaching the city, offering a slightly different perspective on the timing and location.

John 12:12

This verse describes a large crowd following Jesus into Jerusalem the day after the miracle at Jericho, showing the growing popularity and the movement towards His passion.

Acts 4:13

Here, the religious leaders recognize that Peter and John have been with Jesus, implying the lasting impact of Jesus' ministry and the continued presence of His followers in large numbers.

Scholarly commentary

Matthew 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…
barnes

Matthew 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…
benson

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Historical context

Written: Likely between 60-90 AD.
Author: Matthew the Apostle, traditionally understood, though some scholars suggest a later compilation.
Location: Written likely in Antioch or Caesarea Maritima, concerning events that occurred in Jericho and Galilee, Judea.
Genre: Gospel (narrative with theological reflection) featuring dialogue and miracles.

Historical background

c. 1400 BC

Destruction of Jericho

Jericho was destroyed by Joshua and the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land, with a curse pronounced on anyone who would rebuild it.

c. 870 BC

Rebuilding of Jericho

The curse was fulfilled in the days of King Ahab when Jericho was rebuilt, albeit in a more humble state.

c. 1st century BC

Herod the Great's Death

Herod the Great died in Jericho, a city he had significantly developed and expanded.

Unknown, but likely shortly before Jesus' ministry

Elisha's Miracle at Jericho

The prophet Elisha purified the bitter waters near Jericho, demonstrating God's power and care for the region.

Early 1st century AD