Matthew 20:32Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why did He pose that question to the blind men? He aimed to ensure that no one would assume He wasn't granting them what they sought. In His ministry, He consistently highlighted the sincere intentions of those who sought healing before bestowing His gift upon them. This approach served to inspire similar fervor in others while also honoring the worthiness of those receiving His blessings. He treated the Canaanite woman, the centurion, and the woman with the issue of blood in this manner. Indeed, it may be more accurate to say that the marvelous woman anticipated the Lord's inquiry, yet He did not overlook her; He healed her and opened her heart to others. Thus, He endeavored to uncover the virtues of all who approached Him and to elevate their significance beyond what might initially appear. This was also the case with the blind men.

The blind individuals learned of the Lord through the spoken word, and upon hearing of His approach, they seized the chance to call out to Him. They held the conviction that Jesus, a descendant of David by human lineage, possessed the power to restore their sight. Their fervent faith compelled them to raise their voices even more persistently when faced with attempts to silence them. Consequently, the Lord did not question them regarding their faith in Him; rather, He simply inquired about their desires, ensuring that no one might presume the blind men were seeking something different than what they truly needed. His inquiry clarified that their plea was not for wealth, but for healing.

They were unable to see, lacked direction, and could not pursue the Savior. Jericho was filled with numerous ditches, large boulders, and steep cliffs leading down into deep ravines. Therefore, the Lord pauses to allow them to come near, instructs them to call out, lest the throng impede their progress, and, seemingly unaware of their intentions, inquires of them. This serves to reveal, through the response of the blind men, their neediness, while simultaneously showcasing His authority through the act of healing.

He summoned them. Why did He make this inquiry? To prevent any assumption that their desires differed from what He provided. But why did He refrain from questioning them about their faith? Their unwavering shouts served as evidence of their belief, which persisted even when they were compelled to remain quiet.

Observe the blind men: nothing could deter them. Yet the Lord listened to their plea: JESUS PAUSED, SUMMONED THEM, and instructed those nearby to bring the blind men to Him. Then they told Bartimaeus, the one who cried out the loudest: 'Get up quickly, He is calling you.' Discarding his cloak, which limited his ability to move swiftly, he sprang up and rushed toward Jesus Christ. As the two approached, the Lord inquired of them, “WHAT DO YE WANT OF ME?” He posed this question to ensure that no one would assume He would grant anything different from their true desires (St John Chrysostom).

As the Lord and His disciples journeyed through Jericho, accompanied by a multitude, they were roughly six hours away from Jerusalem. As they neared the city, a voice cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" This was the voice of a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. The beggar called out to Jesus using the exalted title of Son of David, acknowledging Him as the Messiah. The crowd, interpreting the Messiah's greatness through their own understanding rather than recognizing His true nature as revealed to His followers, attempted to silence the blind man, urging him not to trouble Jesus with his persistent plea. Nevertheless, Bartimaeus continued to shout, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Eventually, Jesus halted, commanded that the man be brought to Him, and upon inquiring about his need, restored his sight.

The narratives of this occurrence by the evangelists present two notable distinctions: first, while Matthew recounts the healing of two blind men, both Mark and Luke focus on just one. Secondly, Matthew and Mark place the incident as Jesus was departing from the city, whereas Luke indicates it occurred as He was entering. It is clear that there were indeed two individuals who were healed; however, the apostolic tradition has particularly emphasized the name of one, Bartimaeus, as recorded by Mark. This has led to the event in early Christian remembrance sometimes being associated solely with Bartimaeus. The second distinction can be understood as the event happening in two distinct moments, both in time and location.

Upon hearing their request, Jesus paused and summoned them to approach Him. Among the blind individuals, the notable Bartimaeus drew attention with his cries. Once he realized that Jesus was calling for them, he stood up, removed his outer cloak to avoid hindrance in his approach, and made his way to Jesus. When asked, "What do you want from Me?"

Christ heard their plea, and His heart was filled with compassion. He paused and beckoned them to come to Him. The crowd then shifted their tone, encouraging Bartimaeus, who had been the most vocal in seeking mercy in his struggle, saying, "Do not be afraid, rise up; He is calling for you." Overcome with joy, he swiftly removed his cloak, leapt to his feet, and approached Jesus. The Saviour inquired, "What do you wish Me to do for you?"

"What do you desire from Me?" Why did He pose this question to the blind men? It was to prevent anyone from believing that He provides something other than what they truly seek.

The Lord paused and commanded that they be summoned, for His Heart recognized that these individuals, articulating their faith in sincere and straightforward terms, were worthy of mercy. They began to call out to Bartimaeus, encouraging him, ‘Get up, He is calling you.’ Upon hearing this joyful news, the blind man swiftly approached his Healer, discarding his outer cloak to ensure nothing hindered his quick response to the gracious invitation. As the blind men approached, the Lord inquired, ‘What do you wish me to do for you?’ The All-Knowing One desired the afflicted to consciously receive the gift of restoration. The blind men replied, ‘Lord, Master, let our eyes be opened.’