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)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
This chapter concludes with a famous miracle, wrought by Christ upon two blind men, in the sight of a great multitude which followed him.
Where observe, 1. The blind men’s faith in acknowledging Jesus to be the true Messias, for so much the title of the Son of David signifies.
Observe, 2. Their fervency, in crying so earnestly to Christ for mercy and healing; Have mercy upon us, thou Son of David. A true sense of want will make us cry unto Christ for help earnestly, and with undeniable importunity.
Observe, 3. The great condescension of Christ towards these poor blind men: He stood still, he called them, he had compassion on them, he touched their eyes, and healed them. A mighty instance of Christ’s divine power. He that can open blind eyes with the touch of his finger, and that by his own power, is really God, his touch is an omnipotent touch.
Observe, 4. Although Christ well knew the condition of these blind men, yet before he will restore them to sight, they must sensibly complain of the want of sight, and cry unto him for mercy and healing.
Learn hence, That although Christ perfectly knows all our wants, yet he takes no notice of them till we make them known to him by prayer.
Observe, 5. The best way and course which the blind men take to express their thankfulness to Christ for recovered sight, they followed him.
Learn thence, That mercy from Christ is then rightly improved, when it engages us to follow Christ. This should be the effect of all salvation wrought for us. He praiseth God best, that serveth and obeyeth him most; the life of thankfulness consists in the thankfulness of the life.