Matthew 20:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Christ did not prevent them from expressing their fervor, allowing their enthusiasm to shine through and demonstrating their worthiness for healing. Unlike His usual practice of inquiring, "Do you believe?", He recognized their faith through their calls for help and eagerness to approach Him. Let us understand, dear ones, that despite our perceived insignificance and rejection, approaching God with sincere determination empowers us to seek anything we require. Observe how these blind men, despite lacking the support of any apostles and facing many obstacles, boldly advanced toward Jesus. Even though the evangelist does not record any special merits in their lives that warranted their courageous act, their earnestness alone was enough to gain His attention.

The sightless men learned about the Lord through word of mouth, and once they realized He was nearby, they seized the moment. They had faith that Jesus, who was of the lineage of David according to the flesh, could restore their sight. Fueled by this intense belief, they did not hold back and instead shouted even louder when others tried to hush them. The Lord did not inquire whether they had faith in Him but simply asked what they desired, so that no one would assume the blind men wanted one thing and received something different. His question also clarified that they were not seeking riches, but rather healing. He restored them through His touch, demonstrating that every part of His holy body is filled with life and divinity.

In Jericho, there were numerous robbers who frequently inflicted harm and even death on travelers heading to and from Jerusalem. In response, the Lord traveled to Jericho accompanied by His disciples to rescue the afflicted from their suffering and to gather a significant multitude around Him. As He prepared to depart from Jericho, a substantial crowd followed. Had He chosen to remain solely in Jerusalem and avoided reaching out to those in need, the people would have continued to dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Additionally, there were two blind men positioned alongside the road. The term "blind" refers to those who had not yet grasped the truth expressed in the scripture: "In Thy light we shall see light" (Ps. 35:10).

The crowd urged them to be quiet, showing reverence for Jesus Christ, whom they were bothering. Observe their determination; we, too, who may be spiritually blind, should earnestly call out to Him. If anyone encounters a hindrance, let us deepen our prayers rather than diminish them, and we will assuredly submit to Him as they did.

The journey signifies Christ. Thus, the two blind individuals positioned themselves by the side of the road; having veered off the path of righteousness due to their devotion to false gods, they had lost the vision of their hearts and had descended into the shadows of their transgressions. Consequently, they called out, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ But the crowd hushed them.

The crowd attempted to silence them, possibly because Jesus Christ was teaching His disciples, and they did not wish for the esteemed Teacher to pause His message for the sake of the blind men. However, the blind men cried out all the more earnestly, "PLEASE HELP US, O LORD, SON OF DAVID!" According to Saint Chrysostom, these blind men exemplified a greater fervor than many others. Although they lacked guidance and could not see the Lord nearing them, their intense yearning to reach Him drove them to call out. When strangers tried to silence them, their cries only grew louder. This demonstrates the power of a resolute spirit; even obstacles lead them closer to their purpose.

As the crowds gathered, the Lord and His disciples were making their way through Jericho, located approximately six hours from Jerusalem. As they neared the city, a voice was heard calling out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" This plea came from Bartimaeus, a blind beggar. He addressed Jesus with the esteemed title of Son of David, recognizing Him as the Messiah. The people, interpreting the Messiah’s greatness in their own way rather than as Jesus had taught His disciples, tried to silence the blind beggar, urging him to refrain from interrupting. However, Bartimaeus persisted in shouting, "Son of David, have mercy on me." Ultimately, Jesus stopped, instructed that the man be brought to Him, and upon asking him what he needed, restored his sight.

The accounts of this miraculous event as narrated by the Gospel writers exhibit two distinctions. First, Matthew refers to two men who regained their sight, whereas Mark and Luke mention just one individual. Additionally, Matthew and Mark indicate that the healing occurred as Jesus was leaving the city, contrasting with Luke, who suggests it took place upon His arrival. It is evident that there were indeed two men restored to sight, yet the apostolic tradition prominently features the name of one, Bartimaeus, as noted by Mark. This may explain why the narrative in early Christian history often became associated with Bartimaeus alone.

They called out so fervently and persistently that those leading the way urged them to be quiet, yet they remained unrelenting in their appeals for the compassion of Jesus.

The crowd sought to quiet their voices, deeming their cries inappropriate in the presence of the One destined to enter Jerusalem as the Messiah for His people.

The crowd silenced them to avoid disrupting Jesus Christ, who was likely instructing the people at that moment. They wished for the revered teacher to continue his message without interruption for the blind men. Undeterred, the blind men cried out even more fervently, demonstrating their unwavering faith and hope in the Savior's assistance. In response to their faith and prayers, the Lord acted on their behalf.

As the Lord was leaving Jericho, He performed an act of compassion similar to the one with which He had entered the city. Two men who were blind, one named Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, were seated along the roadside, seeking alms. Upon hearing that Jesus of Nazareth was approaching, they shouted, "Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on us! O Lord, Son of David, have mercy!" The crowd attempted to silence them, but they cried out even more fervently, "Son of David, have mercy!"