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)
The urgent cry "Son of David!" reveals these men understood Jesus wasn't just a healer, but the promised Messiah. Their faith, born from hearing about Jesus and likely stirred by the Holy Spirit, propelled them to call out with desperate hope for mercy.
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)
Jesus is leaving Jericho, and a large crowd is following him. Two blind men are by the roadside, and when they hear he's passing, they cry out for mercy, recognizing him as the "Son of David," a title for the promised Messiah. Their desperate plea, though possibly overlooked by the crowd and even Jesus at first, sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of divine compassion and healing.
These men were on the absolute edge, hearing Jesus pass by just once. What drove their intense plea for mercy?
Matthew describes these two men as "sitting by the roadside." This wasn't just a casual spot; it was a place where beggars would station themselves, hoping for the charity of passersby. Their blindness rendered them utterly dependent. The news that Jesus was approaching ignited a desperate hope. It wasn't a request for later, or a polite inquiry. It was a sudden, overwhelming cry because they recognized this might be their only chance. Their entire well-being, their ability to even navigate their world, hung in the balance. Their plea, "Lord, have mercy on us," wasn't just for physical sight, but for relief from their desperate circumstances.
They didn't just ask for help; they called Jesus by a specific, loaded title. What did "Son of David" truly mean to them?
Calling Jesus "Son of David" was far more than just a respectful greeting. In the context of first-century Judaism, this was a direct confession of faith that Jesus was the promised Messiah. The Old Testament prophets spoke of the Messiah coming from David's line, one who would restore and heal. Specifically, prophecies foretold that the Messiah would open the eyes of the blind (Isaiah 35:5). By using this title, these men weren't just appealing to a powerful healer; they were acknowledging Jesus as the divinely appointed King and Redeemer who had the authority and power, given by God, to bring about this prophetic restoration. They understood, through hearing, that Jesus was the fulfillment of God's ancient promises.
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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.
This healing occurs as Jesus is leaving Jericho, on the road to Jerusalem for his final Passover. The desperate cries of the blind men for mercy, calling him 'Son of David,' highlight the growing messianic expectation and the imminent fulfillment of prophecy as Jesus approaches the climax of his mission.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering followers. This period is marked by growing crowds and increasing opposition from religious authorities.
c. 29 AD
Jesus Enters Jericho
Jesus enters the city of Jericho, a significant town on the road between the Jordan River and Jerusalem. His arrival draws large crowds.
c. 29 AD— this verse
Healing of Bartimaeus and Another
As Jesus is leaving Jericho, two blind men, including Bartimaeus, hear he is passing and cry out for mercy, acknowledging him as Lord and Son of David.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, culminating in his recognized entry as the promised Messiah and King.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises from the dead, marking the pivotal event of Christian faith and the fulfillment of prophecy.
This passage also features blind men calling out to Jesus, 'Lord, Son of David,' showing a consistent recognition of Jesus' identity and a persistent cry for mercy from those in desperate need.
Mark 10:46-52While Matthew mentions two blind men, Mark focuses on Bartimaeus, highlighting how different Gospel accounts can emphasize specific individuals within a larger event, and underscores the same urgent plea for mercy from 'Son of David.'
Luke 18:35-43Luke also records the healing of a blind man near Jericho, mirroring Matthew's account and emphasizing the man's plea for mercy and Jesus' compassionate response, reinforcing the theme of desperate faith.
Isaiah 35:5This prophecy foretells that in the days of the Messiah, 'the eyes of the blind shall be opened,' directly connecting the physical healing of blindness in Matthew to the redemptive work of the promised Son of David.
John 9:1-41This extended account of Jesus healing a man born blind explores the spiritual implications of blindness and sight, showing how physical healing can be a signpost to Jesus' power to open the 'eyes' of our hearts to spiritual truth.
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…
The urgent cry "Son of David!" reveals these men understood Jesus wasn't just a healer, but the promised Messiah. Their faith, born from hearing about Jesus and likely stirred by the Holy Spirit, propelled them to call out with desperate hope for mercy.
Jesus is leaving Jericho, and a large crowd is following him. Two blind men are by the roadside, and when they hear he's passing, they cry out for mercy, recognizing him as the "Son of David," a title for the promised Messiah. Their desperate plea, though possibly overlooked by the crowd and even Jesus at first, sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of divine compassion and healing.
Jesus is leaving Jericho, and a large crowd is following him. Two blind men are by the roadside, and when they hear he's passing, they cry out for mercy, recognizing him as the "Son of David," a title for the promised Messiah. Their desperate plea, though possibly overlooked by the crowd and even Jesus at first, sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of divine compassion and healing.
"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!”" — The urgent cry "Son of David!" reveals these men understood Jesus wasn't just a healer, but the promised Messiah. Their faith, born from hearing about Jesus and likely stirred by the Holy Spirit, pro…
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Last reviewed October 2026