Matthew 9:30Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Following the healing, Christ instructs them to remain silent about the miracle, not just with casual advice, but with firm authority: He strictly prohibits them from speaking of it.

This posed a significant affront to the Jews, as the blind were able to gain faith simply through hearsay. In contrast, those who witnessed Christ's works firsthand were less convinced. Consider the fervor of the blind, evident in their cries and earnest pleas. They approached Him not merely in silence, but with loud shouts, seeking nothing more than mercy. They addressed Him as Son of David, recognizing this title as one of great honor.

In His humility, the Lord instructed that vanity be avoided, which compels them to speak of the grace bestowed upon them, ever mindful of the mercy they have received. It is noteworthy that the command may seem somewhat self-contradictory. These blind individuals experience healing as the tenth miracle in the sequence of wonders.

With an intense gaze, He addressed them, furrowing His brow and shaking His head in a manner akin to those who urge others to maintain confidences.

"And their eyes were opened," serving as proof of their faith and a collective affirmation of His identity: He is both God and Man. In His humanity, He was the Son of David, for with His hands He touched their eyes and spoke words to them. As God, the Creator of light, He imparted illumination to those whose sight had been clouded. The moment for Him to reveal His full glory had not yet arrived, as this was to occur only after His suffering and resurrection. Therefore, He "forbade them, saying, 'Let no man lead away,'" firmly instructing them to remain silent about the miracle that had occurred.

The phrase “their eyes were opened” signifies the healing of their affliction, indicating that the blind men received their full sight. However, it might also suggest that their spiritual blindness was lifted, allowing them to perceive deeper truths. The Divine Evangelist has chosen this expression with great precision: “their eyes were opened.” This leads us to further contemplation. Our senses function like gateways, through which the perceptions of the physical world enter our consciousness; thus, the prophet Jeremiah remarked, “death comes in through the windows” (Jeremiah 9:21). When our sensory faculties are intact, the door remains ajar; yet when affected by any ailment, it becomes closed.

AND THEIR EYES WERE OPENED. This marvel occurred even more swiftly than the healing of the well-known man born blind, as narrated by John the evangelist. In that instance, the anointing of his eyes with clay and the washing in the pool of Siloam preceded the miracle, but here the wonder was accomplished with just a touch from the hand. The Saviour prompted the man born blind to profess his faith after he regained his sight, whereas here He inquires about the faith of the blind men prior to their healing— and JESUS sternly instructed them, ‘Take heed lest anyone should know that I have performed this miracle on you.' The Lord consistently presents us with the most exemplary models of human conduct aligned with God's commandments.

After leaving the house of Jairus, Christ made His way to the home in Capernaum where He likely resided, possibly that of Simon Peter. As He walked through the city's streets, two blind men followed Him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, O Jesus, son of David.” Testing their faith, the Lord continued on as if He didn’t hear their earnest cries. Nevertheless, the blind men persisted in their pursuit and eventually entered the house with Him, where they once again approached Him with their request. The Lord then asked them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” They responded, “Yes, Lord!” He touched their eyes and declared, “According to your faith be it unto you.” Instantly, their sight was restored.

Their eyes were opened. And to these restored men, Jesus instructed them not to disclose their healing, for the same reasons, but their joy was so overwhelming that they could not remain silent.

He then placed His hands upon their eyes and declared, ‘Let it be done for you according to your faith.’ Instantly, their sight was restored. The Redeemer, as He had done on many occasions, instructed them not to reveal what had occurred, urging them instead to express their gratitude to the Lord in their hearts; however, their overwhelming joy compelled them to share their experience, and they did not adhere to His instruction.

"And their eyes were opened": their vision was restored to them (cf. Jn. 9:10). - "He strictly charged them," etc.: this command likely stemmed from the same reason as the instruction given to the one cleansed of leprosy (cf. note on Matt. 8:4).

The sight of the blind was restored, and similarly to the raising of Jairus' daughter and other instances, the Lord instructed them not to share news of their healing, intending to safeguard them from being exploited. Despite this, the news of this miraculous act spread throughout the region. The healed individuals, motivated not by disobedience but by deep gratitude, could not contain themselves and began to share the Good News and proclaim the Gospel.