29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 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. 31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? 33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. (Matthew 20:29-34 KJV)
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
This passage recounts the healing of two blind beggars. As Christ and his disciples departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. Some followed out of love, some for loaves, others from curiosity, and some expecting his temporal reign. Yet, for the sake of those sincerely seeking him, he confirmed his doctrine with miracles. Two blind men, companions in suffering, joined in supplication (Mt 18:19).
It is good for those with similar struggles to encourage each other in prayer. They sat by the roadside, as blind beggars often did, positioning themselves where Christ was known to pass. Though blind, they were not deaf, and upon hearing that Jesus was near, they cried out for mercy without delay. It is wise to seize opportunities, for once lost, they may never return. We do not find that Christ came to Jericho again.
Their cry was, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David” (Mt 20:30-31). Four key aspects stand out in their plea. First, here is an example of persistence in prayer. They cried out as men in need. Those who are earnest in prayer must stir themselves up to take hold of God. When they were discouraged, they cried even more. Opposition should make us more determined in prayer. Wrestling in prayer prepares us to receive mercy, making it more prized and gratefully acknowledged.
Second, here is humility in prayer, in the phrase, “Have mercy on us.” They did not specify the favor or claim merit but left themselves to Christ’s mercy. They did not ask for silver or gold, though they were poor, but for mercy. Our hearts should seek mercy above all when we approach the throne of grace (Heb 4:16; Ps 130:7).
Third, here is faith in prayer, in the title they gave Christ: “O Lord, Son of David.” They acknowledged Jesus as Lord, able to command deliverance. Calling him “Son of David” was a confession of his Messiahship, in whom so many kind and compassionate things had been foretold, including his care for the poor and needy (Ps 72:12-13). In prayer, we should remember Christ’s role as Messiah, whose mission is to help and save.
Fourth, here is perseverance in prayer despite discouragement. The crowd rebuked them as noisy and bothersome, telling them to be silent. But they cried out even more. In seeking Christ, we should expect obstacles and discouragements, whether from within or without. These hindrances test our faith, fervency, patience, and perseverance. The sincere seekers of Christ often face the worst opposition from those who only follow him outwardly. But these men would not be deterred; when they were in pursuit of such a great mercy, there was no time for hesitation. Men ought always to pray and not give up (Luke 18:1), continuing in prayer with resolution.
The crowd rebuked them, but Christ encouraged them. It would be sad for us if the Master were as unkind as the crowd, but he delights in showing special favor to those who are rejected by others.
He stopped and called them (Mt 20:32). Though he was on his way to Jerusalem and eager to complete his mission, he paused to help these blind men. No matter how urgent our tasks are, we should always be willing to stop and do good. He called them, not because he could not heal them from a distance, but because he wanted to interact with them in an instructive way. Christ not only commands us to pray but invites us, holding out the golden scepter for us to touch.
He inquired further into their need: “What do you want me to do for you?” This was a generous offer—”Here I am; tell me what you need, and you shall have it.” He knew their need but wanted them to express it. God requires that we make our requests known, not to inform or persuade him, but to prepare our own hearts to receive his mercy. Just as a boatman pulling a rope does not draw the shore to himself but himself to the shore, so in prayer we do not bring God’s mercy down to us but lift ourselves up to receive it.
Their response was simple: “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” People readily express physical needs but often neglect spiritual ones. Many are spiritually blind but claim to see (John 9:41). If we recognized our spiritual darkness, we would seek him who gives sight, crying, “Lord, open our eyes!”
Christ healed them, demonstrating both compassion and power. He had compassion on them, for misery moves the heart of mercy (Re 3:17; Luke 1:78-79). Though we cannot perform miracles, we must show compassion to those in need. He who formed the eye surely can heal it. He touched their eyes, and immediately they received sight, proving his divine mission. This miracle symbolized his greater purpose—to bring light to those in spiritual darkness, turning them from darkness to light.
Finally, the men, having received sight, followed him. None follow Christ blindfolded; he first opens their eyes by his grace, then draws their hearts to follow him. They followed as disciples, learning from him and testifying to his power. True spiritual enlightenment is evidenced by a firm and unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Leader.