Matthew 20:29

And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

Matthew 20:29 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 20:29 records a brief but significant moment: Jesus and His disciples depart from Jericho, and a great multitude follows Him. Jericho was an ancient city near the Jordan River, about fifteen miles northeast of Jerusalem. It held deep historical meaning for Israel, being the first city conquered under Joshua when the people entered the Promised Land (Joshua 6). By Jesus’ day, Jericho was a prosperous city and a common travel route for pilgrims going to Jerusalem. This departure is not aimless wandering; Jesus is resolutely heading toward Jerusalem, where He will soon face betrayal, suffering, and crucifixion. The crowd that follows Him includes those who want to hear His teaching, witness His miracles, or accompany Him to the Passover feast. Some may even hope He will establish an earthly kingdom. Yet the same crowds that now follow Him will later cry for His crucifixion, reminding us that popularity is not the same as true faith.

Meaning

The word “they” refers to Jesus and His disciples, showing that He was not alone but was accompanied by those He had been teaching. The “great multitude” reveals the public nature of His ministry and the widespread interest in Him. This moment also sets the stage for what immediately follows: the healing of two blind men who cry out for mercy. Even while Jesus is on His way to the cross, He stops to show compassion and power. The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ journey is purposeful and that His mission includes both the crowds and the individual cries of the needy.

Biblical connections

This verse connects to the broader Gospel account of Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem. In Luke 19, Jesus passes through Jericho, where He meets Zacchaeus and tells the parable of the nobleman who goes into a far country to receive a kingdom. Mark 10:46 also records Jesus leaving Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, immediately followed by the healing of blind Bartimaeus. These parallel accounts confirm the historical setting and highlight the same sequence of events. The mention of the multitude also echoes the fickle nature of human praise, which later turns to rejection at Jesus’ trial.

Application

This verse encourages believers to follow Jesus with sincere hearts, not merely for what He can give or for the excitement of the crowd. The multitude followed Jesus for many reasons, but true discipleship requires faith, humility, and persistence. Like the blind men who will cry out in the next verses, we are called to recognize our need for Jesus and to seek His mercy even when others try to silence us. Jesus is on His way to the cross, yet He still stops to heal and save. This assures us that no matter how urgent our circumstances, Jesus is never too busy to respond to a sincere cry for help.

Reflection

Consider what draws you to Jesus. Is it the thrill of miracles, the comfort of teaching, or a genuine recognition that He is the Son of David, the promised Messiah? The crowd followed Jesus for many reasons, but only those who see Him as Lord and cry out for mercy receive His healing touch. As you walk your own journey, remember that Jesus is heading toward the cross, and He invites you to follow Him not as a curious spectator but as a committed disciple. Let this verse stir your heart to trust Him more deeply, even when the path leads through suffering, because His purpose is your salvation and restoration.