Matthew 9:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Here is no small charge against the Jews, that these men, having lost their sight, yet believe by means of their heaving only; while they who had sight, would not believe the miracles that were done. Observe their eagerness; they do not simply come to Him, but with crying, and asking for nothing but mercy; they call Him Son of David, because that seemed to be a name of honour.

They revealed the truth, not out of rebellion, but from a place of appreciation. When the Lord instructs, “Go and proclaim the glory of God,” there is no inconsistency in this. His desire is not for His own accolades to be shared, but solely for the splendor of God to be proclaimed.

The miracles that had gone before of the ruler’s daughter, and the woman with the issue of blood, are now followed by that of two blind men, that what death and disease had there witnessed, that blindness might now witness. And as Jesus passed thence, that is, from the ruler’s house, there followed him two blind men, crying, and saying, Have mercy on us, thou Son of David.

In the eighth chapter, after healing the leper, He instructed him to remain silent (see Matthew 8:4). It is important to explore the rationale behind His request for silence and to consider why He issues this command, fully aware that the leper would not comply. This understanding should be remembered in similar situations.

Or He enjoins silence on the blind men, because to preach was the Apostles’ office.

We must enquire how this is that the Almighty, whose will and power are coextensive, should have here willed that His excellent works should be hid in silence, and is yet preached against His will, as it were, by these men who have received their sight. It is only that He herein has left an example to His servants who follow Him, that they should desire their own good deeds to be hid, and that notwithstanding they should be made known against their will, that others may profit by their example. They should then be hid by design, and published of compulsion; their concealment is by our own watchfulness, their betrayal is for others’ profit.

The house of the ruler is the Synagogue which was ruled by Moses; the house of Jesus is the heavenly Jerusalem. As the Lord passed through this world and was returning to His own house, two blind men followed Him; that is, when the Gospel was preached by the Apostles, many of the Jews and Gentiles began to follow Him. But when He ascended into Heaven, then He entered His house, that is, into the confession of one faith which is in the Catholic Church, and in that they were enlightened.

Rightly they call Him Son of David, because the Virgin Mary was of the line of David.

It appears that, had they not been instructed to remain silent, they would have spread the message of His power throughout the world. Instead, having obeyed His directive, they limited their preaching to nearby regions. Consequently, the blind men who followed Christ were fully healed, both physically and spiritually. Thus, dear brothers, let us pursue the Light that illuminates our bodies and souls. Let us move toward His brilliance, living as though it were the Lord's day, and conduct ourselves honorably. We should honor Him through our good actions so that those who observe us may also glorify Him. We must turn away from the encroaching darkness that represents sin and its ruler, the devil.

The healed blind men did not adhere to this instruction. Their immense blessing, overflowing joy, and profound gratitude were the reasons for their disobedience. No sooner had they exited the dwelling where their sight was restored than they began to share the miracle and quickly spread the news across the earth that Jesus Christ had restored their vision and given them enlightenment. Observe the might of righteousness! The more we attempt to hide it, the more it is unveiled and radiates.

The mere appearance of a miracle prompted widespread attention. The blind individuals were well-known in their communities, and naturally, they couldn’t refrain from inquiring about the source of their newfound vision. Those who experienced healing chose to speak out, not from disobedience, as Blessed Theophylact notes, but rather out of profound thankfulness. The compassionate Healer graciously embraced their shortcomings with His boundless mercy.

From the residence of Jairus, the Lord Jesus made His way to a home in Capernaum where He likely resided, possibly that of Simon Peter. As He traversed the city's streets, two blind men trailed behind Him, repeatedly crying out, "Have mercy on us, O Jesus, son of David." Testing their faith, Jesus continued on as though He were unaware of their cries. Nevertheless, the blind men persistently followed Him and eventually entered the house with Him, where they approached Him once more with the same 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." Immediately, their sight was restored.

Their eyes were unveiled. (see v. 29) To these restored individuals, Jesus instructed them not to share what had occurred to them, for the same reasons (see v. 26), yet they were unable to contain their joy.

He then placed His hands upon their eyes, declaring, "As your faith dictates, let it be done for you." Instantly, their vision was restored. In line with His usual practice, the Messiah instructed them not to share this miraculous event with others, urging them instead to express their gratitude to God deep within their souls. However, overwhelmed by their joy, they outwardly proclaimed what had occurred, neglecting to adhere to His directive.

As they departed from the house where the miracle occurred, they proclaimed the work of the miracle-worker. In their recollection of the blessing they received, they felt compelled to speak about it. They did not hesitate but instead eagerly began to share the good news, motivated not by defiance but by deep gratitude.

The sight of the blind men was restored, and as with the resurrection of Jairus' daughter and other instances, the Lord instructed them not to share news of their healing. This was likely for protective reasons, to ensure secrecy about the miracle. Despite this, word of the miracle spread across the region, and the healed individuals, motivated not by disobedience but by deep gratitude, could not contain their excitement and began to share the good news and proclaim the Gospel.