Matthew 20:31

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should holde their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Haue mercie on vs, O Lord, thou sonne of Dauid. Matthew 20:31 (KJV)

Context: This verse is part of a narrative in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem with his disciples. As they departed from Jericho, two blind men sitting by the roadside hear that Jesus is passing by. They begin to cry out, seeking Jesus’ attention and mercy.

Persistence in Faith: In this verse, the blind men were initially rebuked by the multitude, perhaps due to their belief that the blind men were unworthy or insignificant. However, instead of being discouraged, the blind men persisted and cried out even louder, acknowledging Jesus as the “Son of David” and seeking His mercy. Their persistence is an essential lesson for us in our faith journey. We should not be deterred by discouragement or opposition but continue to seek God with fervent hearts.

Recognition of Jesus’ Identity: The blind men address Jesus as the “Son of David.” This title was a messianic title, indicating that they recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah from the lineage of David. By acknowledging Jesus’ identity, they demonstrated their belief in His power and authority to heal them. Similarly, we should recognize Jesus’ divinity and acknowledge Him as our Lord and Savior, understanding that He has the authority to meet our needs and provide us with mercy and salvation.

Cry for Mercy: The blind men cry out to Jesus for mercy, recognizing their desperate need for His intervention. Their physical blindness serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness, symbolizing our need for spiritual healing and salvation. Just as the blind men sought Jesus’ mercy, we should humbly approach Him, acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on His grace and compassion. Jesus is always ready to extend His mercy to those who come to Him with sincere hearts.

Overcoming Obstacles: Despite the rebuke from the multitude, the blind men did not allow themselves to be silenced or deterred. They were determined to reach Jesus, knowing that He alone had the power to restore their sight. Their persistence paid off, as Jesus stopped, called them, and asked what they wanted Him to do for them (Matthew 20:32-33). This account encourages us to overcome obstacles and societal pressures that may hinder our faith and pursuit of Christ. We must have the courage to stand firm in our convictions and press on, knowing that Jesus hears our cries and is attentive to our needs.