Matthew 20:31

"Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!”"

Key Reflection

In Matthew 20:31, we find two blind men sitting by the roadside, a common place for beggars to gather in first-century Palestine. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out with a plea of desperate hope, addressing him as "Lord" and "son of David." This title highlights their recognition of Jesus as a messianic figure who could bring them salvation and physical healing, which were often seen as signs of the coming kingdom of God. Their cry encapsulates both their spiritual blindness to the true nature of the kingdom and their hopeful appeal for mercy, reflecting the broader theme of those marginalized by society having greater receptivity to the gospel message.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 31. And the multitude rebuked them, because, etc. They chid or reproved them, and in a threatening manner told them to be silent. They cried the more. Jesus standing still, ordered them to be brought to him, (Mark.) They then addressed the blind men, and told them that Jesus called. Mark adds, that Bartimeus cast away his garment, and rose and came to Jesus. The garment was not his only raiment, but was the outer garment, thrown loosely over him, and commonly laid aside when persons laboured or ran. See Barnes "Mt 5:40". His doing it denoted haste, and earnestness, in order to come to Jesus.

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