Matthew 20:30
And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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When these blind men heard Jesus was passing, they didn't just passively hope for healing; they seized the moment with desperate cries, recognizing Him not just as a powerful healer, but as the promised "Son of David," the Messiah who had the authority and power to show mercy. Their urgent plea, "Have mercy on us," highlights a profound truth: recognizing our need and calling out to God is the essential first step towards receiving His grace.
As Jesus and his disciples are leaving Jericho, a large crowd follows, and suddenly, two blind men sitting by the road hear the commotion. They recognize this as their chance to reach Jesus and cry out for his mercy, identifying him as the promised Messiah. This urgent plea happens just after Jesus taught his disciples about humility and service, highlighting his compassion for those in need even as he moves toward his ultimate sacrifice.
Imagine sitting in darkness, every sound a potential clue to a passing opportunity. What does it take for a cry to break through desperation?
These two men were blind and likely positioned by the roadside specifically to beg for alms from passersby. Their world was defined by what they could hear.
A Fleeting Chance
When they heard the commotion of Jesus passing, it wasn't just noise; it was a signal. They recognized an opportunity for healing, a chance that might never come again. Their immediate, urgent cry shows they understood the preciousness of this moment.
Faith Awakened by Sound
Their blindness meant they couldn't see Jesus, but they heard about Him. This highlights how faith can be sparked and sustained through hearing the Word and the testimony of Jesus, even when direct sight isn't possible.
They didn't just ask for help; they addressed Jesus with specific, loaded titles. Why these particular names?
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Their cry, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” is incredibly significant. It wasn't a generic plea; it was a theological confession.
Acknowledging Lordship
Calling Jesus 'Lord' (Kyrios in Greek) speaks to His authority and dominion. It's an acknowledgment that He is not just a healer, but someone in charge, someone worthy of obedience and respect.
Proclaiming the Messiah
'Son of David' was a well-understood title for the promised Messiah in Jewish understanding. By using it, these men declared their belief that Jesus was the one prophesied to come, the one with the power to bring salvation and healing, fulfilling ancient hopes.
Two blind men, ignored by the crowd, make a desperate noise. What can we learn from their persistence?
The intensity of their plea, 'cried out' (ekrazon in Greek), paints a vivid picture of raw need and unwavering faith. They weren't passively hoping; they were actively and vocally demanding mercy.
Persistent Petition
Even when initially silenced by the crowd or possibly Jesus's disciples (as seen in other accounts), they didn't give up. Their repeated, loud cries demonstrate a refusal to be ignored and a deep conviction that Jesus could and would help them.
A Plea for Mercy, Not Merit
Their request, 'Have mercy on us,' is crucial. They didn't present themselves as deserving or worthy. They came acknowledging their helplessness and appealing solely to Jesus's compassion and grace. This is the heart of true faith – recognizing our utter dependence on God's kindness.
Understand the original words
typhlos · Greek Adjective
A physical condition lacking sight; frequently used in the Bible as a spiritual metaphor for a lack of understanding or revelation concerning God's truth.
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of respect, authority, or deity; when applied to Jesus in the Gospels, it often functions as an acknowledgement of His divine authority and lordship.
eleeō · Greek Verb
The compassionate act of withholding deserved judgment or providing help to those in distress; it flows from God's character and is often requested in prayer.
huios Dauid · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title identifying Jesus as the promised descendant of David who would sit on the eternal throne and establish the kingdom of God.
The title 'Son of David' used by the blind men was a powerful messianic designation, especially resonant as Jesus was nearing Jerusalem for Passover, a time when messianic hopes ran high.
c. AD 28
Jesus enters Jericho
Jesus approaches the city of Jericho, a significant population center on the route between Galilee and Jerusalem. He is met by a large crowd.
c. AD 28— this verse
Healing of Bartimaeus
As Jesus prepares to leave Jericho, two blind men sitting by the roadside hear him passing. They cry out to him, identifying him as Lord and Son of David, and Jesus heals them.
c. AD 28
Jesus journeys towards Jerusalem
Following the healing, Jesus continues his journey towards Jerusalem for the Passover festival. The crowds follow him, and his disciples grapple with his teachings on suffering and service.
c. AD 30
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly
Jesus makes his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. Many in the crowd hail him as the Son of David, echoing the cry of the blind men healed in Jericho.
c. AD 30
Jesus cleanses the Temple
Shortly after his entry, Jesus drives out merchants and money-changers from the Temple, asserting his authority and challenging the religious establishment.
c. AD 30
Jesus' final teachings and Passion
In the final days before his crucifixion, Jesus teaches in the Temple, debates with religious leaders, and predicts his death and resurrection.
This passage describes Jesus healing two blind men using the same plea, 'Lord, have mercy on us,' highlighting the consistent compassion Jesus showed to those in need.
Mark 10:47Mark's account focuses on one of the blind men, Bartimaeus, and his persistent cries to Jesus as the 'Son of David,' emphasizing the faith required to call upon Jesus for mercy.
Luke 18:38Luke's version also highlights the cry for mercy, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' underscoring the direct and earnest appeal these individuals made to Jesus' messianic identity.
Isaiah 35:5This Old Testament prophecy foretells that at the coming of the Messiah, 'the eyes of the blind shall be opened,' which is directly fulfilled in Jesus' healing of these men who recognized Him as the Son of David.
John 9:39Jesus states His mission is for judgment, so that the blind 'may see,' drawing a parallel between physical blindness and spiritual blindness, and His role in bringing spiritual sight to those who believe.
henryMatthew 20:29-34: "And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him."
20:29-34 It is good for those under the same trial, or infirmity of body or mind, to join in prayer to God for relief, that they may quicken and encourage one another. There is mercy enough in Christ for all that ask. They were earnest in prayer. They cried out as men in earnest. Cold desires beg denials. They were humble in prayer, casting themselves upon, and referring themselves cheerfully to, the Mediator…
bengelMatthew 20:30: "And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David."
Matthew 20:30 . Δύο , two ) St Mark ( Mark 10:46 ) mentions only one, Bartimaeus, the most distinguished”[897] as St Matthew in the next chapter mentions both the ass and the colt, St Mark only the colt which was actually employed by our Lord; as St Luke ( Luke 24:4 ) the two angels who appeared, St Matthew and St Mark, the on…
When these blind men heard Jesus was passing, they didn't just passively hope for healing; they seized the moment with desperate cries, recognizing Him not just as a powerful healer, but as the promised "Son of David," the Messiah who had the authority and power to show mercy. Their urgent plea, "Have mercy on us," highlights a profound truth: recognizing our need and calling out to God is the essential first step towards receiving His grace.
As Jesus and his disciples are leaving Jericho, a large crowd follows, and suddenly, two blind men sitting by the road hear the commotion. They recognize this as their chance to reach Jesus and cry out for his mercy, identifying him as the promised Messiah. This urgent plea happens just after Jesus taught his disciples about humility and service, highlighting his compassion for those in need even as he moves toward his ultimate sacrifice.
As Jesus and his disciples are leaving Jericho, a large crowd follows, and suddenly, two blind men sitting by the road hear the commotion. They recognize this as their chance to reach Jesus and cry out for his mercy, identifying him as the promised Messiah. This urgent plea happens just after Jesus taught his disciples about humility and service, highlighting his compassion for those in need even as he moves toward his ultimate sacrifice.
"And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”" — When these blind men heard Jesus was passing, they didn't just passively hope for healing; they seized the moment with desperate cries, recognizing Him not just as a powerful healer, but as the promi…
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