Meaning of Matthew 20:31

This verse from Matthew 20:31 depicts a pivotal moment where two blind men, persistently crying out to Jesus, are met with the disapproval of the crowd. Their unwavering faith and desperate plea for mercy, however, cut through the noise and opposition, highlighting the power of persistent prayer and the transformative nature of divine compassion. The crowd's reaction underscores the common human tendency to suppress or dismiss those who are perceived as disruptive or inconvenient, even when their need is profound. The blind men's continued, amplified cries demonstrate a deep understanding that their only hope lay in Jesus, and they refused to be silenced by societal judgment or the perceived insignificance of their request.

Context and Background

This passage occurs within the context of Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, specifically after he has healed a blind man in Jericho and, in the preceding verses (Matthew 20:29-30), encounters two blind men also in Jericho. These men, upon hearing that Jesus was passing by, immediately began to cry out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" The crowd, likely a significant throng accompanying Jesus, found their persistent shouting to be a nuisance and attempted to silence them. This scene takes place as Jesus is on the cusp of his passion, a period marked by intense spiritual and physical suffering, yet also by acts of profound mercy and healing.

Key Themes and Messages

• Persistent Faith: The blind men exemplify unwavering faith, refusing to be deterred by the crowd's rebuke. Their repeated and amplified cries demonstrate a resolute belief in Jesus' ability to heal them.
• The Nature of True Mercy: Their plea is not for material wealth or power, but for mercy – a recognition of their need and a desire for divine intervention. This highlights that true spiritual longing often transcends superficial desires.
• Opposition to Faith: The crowd's reaction illustrates how societal norms, practicality, or even a misunderstanding of spiritual urgency can lead to the suppression of genuine cries for help and faith.
• Jesus' Compassion: Despite the crowd's attempt to silence them, Jesus ultimately hears and responds to their plea, demonstrating his boundless compassion and attentiveness to those in need.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse offers a powerful lesson in the practice of prayer. It teaches believers the importance of persistence in approaching God, even when facing internal doubts or external discouragement. The blind men's amplified cries suggest that sometimes, a quiet, polite request is insufficient; a fervent, even desperate, plea is necessary when one’s need is greatest. Furthermore, it highlights that our faith should not be easily swayed by the opinions or judgments of others. The spiritual application lies in cultivating a similar tenacity in seeking God's grace and mercy, trusting that He hears and cares for our deepest needs, regardless of the surrounding "noise."

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The healing of the blind in Jericho is a recurring motif in the Gospels, often serving as a metaphor for spiritual blindness and the illuminating power of Christ. The title "Son of David" is a messianic designation, underscoring the blind men's recognition of Jesus' royal and divine authority, even before his full messianic role was widely understood. Their healing foreshadows the spiritual sight that followers receive through faith in Jesus, enabling them to perceive God's kingdom. This event also underscores Jesus' mission to bring light and healing to a world often shrouded in darkness and suffering, preparing the way for his ultimate redemptive work.

Analogies

One analogy for the blind men's persistence is that of a child who, knowing their parent can solve a problem, continues to call out to them despite others telling them to be quiet, because they trust their parent's love and ability. Another analogy is that of a scientist repeatedly conducting experiments, refining their methods when initial results are not as expected, driven by a deep conviction that a breakthrough is possible. The crowd’s reaction could be likened to people on a busy street ignoring a beggar, prioritizing their own journey and convenience over another's suffering.

Relation to Other Verses

• Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43: These parallel accounts provide similar narratives of Jesus healing blind men in Jericho, reinforcing the significance of this event.
• Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This verse echoes the blind men's direct appeal for mercy and encourages believers to approach God with boldness.
• Luke 11:9-10: "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." This teaching of Jesus directly supports the principle of persistent prayer demonstrated by the blind men.
• Isaiah 9:2: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." This prophetic passage connects to the theme of Jesus bringing light and healing to those in spiritual darkness.