Matthew 9:27
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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These blind men, by calling Jesus the "Son of David," weren't just asking for a cure; they were boldly confessing their belief that he was the promised Messiah, the one prophesied to bring sight to the blind. This title, a specific Messianic expectation, reveals their deep faith, especially since their physical blindness would have made it harder to witness his power firsthand.
Jesus has just healed a synagogue leader's daughter and a woman with a hemorrhage, and is now leaving the house. As he moves on, two blind men follow him, calling out to him with a title that acknowledges him as the promised Messiah, the "Son of David," and pleading for his mercy. Their cries reveal their belief that he is the long-awaited Messiah, who was prophesied to open the eyes of the blind, and they are boldly seeking his compassionate intervention.
These two blind men weren't just asking for their sight back; they were making a profound declaration about who Jesus was. What does their bold cry reveal about faith?
When these men called Jesus 'Son of David,' they weren't just using a nice nickname. This was a direct acknowledgment that they believed He was the promised Messiah, the King descended from King David, who was prophesied to bring healing and restoration.
Jesus seemed to ignore them at first. Why might He have done that, and what does it teach us about how faith is often tested and proven?
It's striking that Jesus didn't immediately grant their request when they first cried out. He continued on his way, allowing them to follow and persist in their plea. This wasn't a sign of indifference, but a divine strategy to test and reveal the depth of their faith.
Understand the original words
typhlos · Greek Adjective
Having no power of sight. In scripture, it is frequently used both literally and metaphorically to describe spiritual darkness or the inability to perceive divine truth.
eleos · Greek Noun
Compassion, pity, or the withholding of deserved punishment. It is a central attribute of God, often invoked by those in need of His intervention and grace.
huios Dauid · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title based on the Davidic Covenant. It identifies Jesus as the promised heir to the throne of David, the rightful King and Messiah of Israel.
The title 'Son of David' used by the blind men was a powerful confession of faith, recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah who would restore and bring God's kingdom, a hope particularly fervent in an era under Roman and Herodian rule.
c. 20 BC - AD 10
Herodian Dynasty Dominates Judea
The Herodian dynasty, appointed by Rome, rules Judea. While some Jews see them as legitimate rulers, many long for the promised Messiah from the line of David to establish a righteous kingdom.
c. AD 26-30
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, preaching, and performing miracles, drawing crowds and sparking hope and controversy among the Jewish population.
c. AD 30
Jesus Heals Ruler's Daughter
Jesus is called to heal Jairus's daughter, who is near death. He stops to heal a bleeding woman on the way and then raises the girl from the dead, demonstrating authority over life and death.
c. AD 30— this verse
Two Blind Men Seek Jesus
As Jesus leaves the ruler's house, two blind men follow him, calling out to him as 'Son of David' and pleading for mercy and healing, recognizing him as the promised Messiah.
This Old Testament prophecy directly speaks of the Messiah opening the eyes of the blind, giving these men's cry, 'Son of David,' a powerful, prophetic resonance.
Matthew 20:30-31This passage describes two more blind men calling Jesus 'Lord, Son of David' and asking for mercy, highlighting a consistent theme of faith and petition for this title.
John 9:39Jesus states His purpose is to bring sight to the blind, a theme echoed by these men's desperate plea for healing and recognition of His divine identity.
Psalm 146:8This Psalm speaks of the Lord opening the eyes of the prisoners, a concept that finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David, who is here approached by those whose eyes are closed.
barnesMatthew 9:27: "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us."
And when Jesus departed thence - The scene of this miracle was near Capernaum. The blind men probably followed him with their cry for aid immediately on his leaving the house of Jairus. Thou Son of David - By the Son of David the Jews meant the Messiah. He was the descendant or Son of David by way of eminence, Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:32; Revelation 22:16. See the notes…
cambridgeMatthew 9:27: "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us."
27 . Song of Solomon of David ] See note ch. Matthew 1:1 . The thought of the kingdom of heaven had been closely linked with the reign of a Son of David, but doubtless with many Jews the glory of the Asmonean dynasty (the Maccabees) and the established power of the Herods had tended to obscure this expectation. To have clung to it was an act of faith. 27–31 . A Cu…
These blind men, by calling Jesus the "Son of David," weren't just asking for a cure; they were boldly confessing their belief that he was the promised Messiah, the one prophesied to bring sight to the blind. This title, a specific Messianic expectation, reveals their deep faith, especially since their physical blindness would have made it harder to witness his power firsthand.
Jesus has just healed a synagogue leader's daughter and a woman with a hemorrhage, and is now leaving the house. As he moves on, two blind men follow him, calling out to him with a title that acknowledges him as the promised Messiah, the "Son of David," and pleading for his mercy. Their cries reveal their belief that he is the long-awaited Messiah, who was prophesied to open the eyes of the blind, and they are boldly seeking his compassionate intervention.
Jesus has just healed a synagogue leader's daughter and a woman with a hemorrhage, and is now leaving the house. As he moves on, two blind men follow him, calling out to him with a title that acknowledges him as the promised Messiah, the "Son of David," and pleading for his mercy. Their cries reveal their belief that he is the long-awaited Messiah, who was prophesied to open the eyes of the blind, and they are boldly seeking his compassionate intervention.
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c. AD 30
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
Jesus heals the two blind men, testing their faith and telling them to keep his healing a secret, though they soon spread the news throughout the region.
c. AD 30
Jesus Delivers a Demon-Possessed Man
Immediately after, Jesus casts out a demon from a mute man, causing great wonder among the crowds but leading the Pharisees to accuse him of using demonic power.
"And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”" — These blind men, by calling Jesus the "Son of David," weren't just asking for a cure; they were boldly confessing their belief that he was the promised Messiah, the one prophesied to bring sight to t…
