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“Jesus Heals Two Blind Men”· Matthew 20:29–34
Translation
King James Version
And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
Complete Jewish Bible
Yeshua stopped, called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?"
Berean Standard Bible
Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked.
American Standard Version
And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I should do unto you?
World English Bible Messianic
Yeshua stood still, and called them, and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Iesus stoode still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I should do to you?
Young's Literal Translation
And having stood, Jesus called them, and said, `What will ye that I may do to you?'
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Historical interpretation
Six Centuries of Reception
11 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Or; Those that believed rebuked them that they should not dishonour Him by styling Him merely Son of David, but should rather say, Son of God, have mercy on us.
Or; Jesus does not pass on, but stands still, that by His standing His goodness may not pass by, but as from an abiding fount mercy may flow forth upon them.
Figuratively, Jericho is taken to be the world, into which Christ came down. They who are in Jericho, know not how to escape from the wisdom of the world, unless they see not Jesus only coming out of Jericho, but also His disciples. This when they saw, great multitudes followed Him, despising the world and all worldly things, that under His guidance they may go up to the heavenly Jerusalem. The two blind men we may call Judah and Israel, who before the coming of Christ were blind, not seeing the true word which was in the Law and the Prophets, yet sitting by the wayside of the Law and the Prophets, and understanding Him only as after the flesh, they cried to Him who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh.
We also now sitting by the wayside of the Scriptures, and understanding wherein we are blind, if we ask with desire, He will touch the eyes of our souls, and the gloom of ignorance shall depart from our minds, that in the light of knowledge we may follow Him, who gave us power to see to no other end than that we should follow Him.
Or, They bid them hold their peace, not from reverence for Christ, but because they were grieved to hear from the blind what they denied, namely, that the Lord was the Son of David.
Wherefore doth He ask them? Lest any one should think that when they wish to receive one thing, He giveth them another thing. For indeed it is usual with Him on every occasion, first to make manifest and discover to all the virtue of those He is healing, and then to apply the cure, for one reason, that He might lead on the others likewise to emulation; and for another, that He might show that they were enjoying the gift worthily. This, for instance, He did with respect to the Canaanitish woman also, this too in the case of the centurion, this again as to her that had the issue of blood, or rather that marvellous woman even anticipated the Lord's inquiry; but not so did He pass her by, but even after the cure makes her manifest. Such earnest care had He on every occasion to proclaim the good deeds of them that come to Him, and to show them to be much greater than they are, which He doth here also.
Then, when they said what they wished, He had compassion on them, and touched them. For this alone is the cause of their cure, for which also He came into the world. But nevertheless, although it be mercy and grace, it seeks for the worthy.
But that they were worthy is manifest, both from what they cried out, and from the fact that, when they had received, they did not hasten away, as many do, being ungrateful after the benefits. Nay, they were not like this, but were both persevering before the gift, and after the gift grateful, for "they followed Him."
But let us keep to the things set before us, and let us listen to these blind men, who were better than many that see. For neither having a guide, nor being able to see Him when come near to them, nevertheless they strove to come unto Him, and began to cry with a loud voice, and when rebuked for speaking, they cried the more. For such is the nature of an enduring soul, by the very things that hinder, it is borne up.
But Christ suffered them to be rebuked, that their earnestness might the more appear, and that thou mightest learn that worthily they enjoy the benefits of their cure. Therefore He doth not so much as ask, "Do ye believe?" as He doth with many; for their cry, and their coming unto Him, sufficed to make their faith manifest.
Hence learn, O beloved, that though we be very vile and outcast, but yet approach God with earnestness, even by ourselves we shall be able to effect whatsoever we ask. See, for instance, these men, how, having none of the apostles to plead with them, but rather many to stop their mouths, they were able to pass over the hindrances, and to come unto Jesus Himself. And yet the evangelist bears witness to no confidence of life in them, but earnestness sufficed them instead of all.
These then let us also emulate. Though God defer the gift, though there be many withdrawing us, let us not desist from asking. For in this way most of all shall we win God to us. See at least even here, how not poverty, not blindness, not their being unheard, not their being rebuked by the multitude, not anything else, impeded their exceeding earnestness. Such is the nature of a fervent and toiling soul.
How much soever you humble yourself, you cannot descend so far as did your Lord.
(Hom. lxvi.) Christ suffered them to be forbidden, that their desire might be the more evidenced. Hence learn that though we be repulsed, yet if we come to God with earnestness, of ourselves, we shall obtain that we ask. It follows, And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I should do unto you?
But as before this bounty they had been persevering, so after the receiving it they were not ungrateful.
(Verse 32, 33.) And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What do you want me to do for you? They said to him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. They were blind, not knowing where to go, and unable to follow the Savior. There were many pits in Jericho, many rocks and cliffs plunging into the deep: therefore the Lord stands, so that they can come and be called, lest the crowds hinder them: and he asks as if ignorant of what they want, so that from the blind men's answer their manifest weakness may be revealed, and the power may be known from the remedy.
Jesus stood still, because they being blind could not see their way. About Jericho were many pits, crags, and abrupt precipices; there fore the Lord stands still, that they might come to Him.
He commands that they be called to Him that the multitude may not withhold them; and He asks them what they would, that by their answer, their necessity may be made apparent, and His power be shown in their healing.
The Creator bestows what nature had not given; or at least mercy accords what weakness had withheld.
They then who had sat shut up in Jericho, and knew only to cry with their voice, afterwards follow Jesus, not so much with their feet as in their virtues.
By the two blind men are generally understood the Pharisees and Sadducees.
(Quæst. Ev. ii. 28.) Jesus therefore, the same who said, To him that knocketh it shall be opened, hearing them, stands still, touches them, and gives them light. Faith in His temporal incarnation prepares us for the understanding of things eternal. By the passing by of Jesus they are admonished that they should be enlightened, and when He stands still they are enlightened; for things temporal pass by, but things eternal stand still.
As the proof of the husbandman's industry lies in the abundance of his crop, so the fulness of the Church is the evidence of an industrious teacher; so it is here said, And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. No one was deterred by the toilsomeness of the journey, for spiritual love feels no fatigue; no one was kept away by the thought of sufferings, for they were going into possession of the kingdom of heaven. For he who has in very deed tasted the reality of heavenly good, has nothing to attach him to earth. In good season these blind men come before Christ, that having their eyes opened, they may go up with Him to Jerusalem as witnesses to His power. They heard the sound of the passers by, but saw not their persons, and having nothing free about them but their voice, because they could not follow Him with their feet, they pursued Him with their voice; When they heard that Jesus passed by, they cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
For they saw how mean their clothes, and considered not how pure their consciences. See the foolish wisdom of men! They think great men are hurt when they receive the homage of the poor. What poor man dare salute a rich man in public?
They were rather encouraged than repelled by this rebuke. For so faith is quickened by being prohibited; and hence is secure in dangers, and in security is endangered; whence it follows, But they cried out the more, saying, Have mercy upon us, Son of David. They cried out at the first because they were blind, now they rather cried out because they were forbidden to come to the Light.
Or; He asks them on account of their faith, that whereas they who were blind confess Christ to be the Son of God, those who had their sight might be put to shame for their esteeming Him only man. They had indeed called Christ Lord, and they had spoken true; but by calling Him the Son of David, they obliterated this their good confession. For indeed by a misuse of words men are called Lords, but none is truly Lord, but God only. When therefore they say, O Lord, thou Son of David, they thus misapply the term to Christ, as esteeming Him man; had they only called Him Lord, they would have confessed His Godhead. When then He asks them, What would ye? they no longer style Him Son of David, but only Lord; They say unto Him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. For the Son of David cannot open the eyes of the blind, but the Son of God can. So long then as they cried, O Lord, thou Son of David, their cure was delayed; as soon as they said, Lord, only, healing was shed upon them; for it follows, And Jesus had compassion upon them, and touched their eyes, and straightway they saw. He touched them carnally as man, He healed them as God.
On being healed they rendered a high service to Christ; for it follows, And they followed him. For this the Lord requires of thee, according to the Prophet, that thou be careful to walk with the Lord thy God. (Mic. 6:8).
Some interpret that the two blind men are the Gentiles; one sprung from Cham, the other from Japhet; they sat by the way-side, that is, they walked hard by the truth, but they could not find it out; or they were placed in reason, not having yet received knowledge of the Word.
Accordingly Jesus touched the eyes of the Gentile mind, giving them the grace of the Holy Spirit, and when enlightened they followed Him with good works.
But when we persist intensely in our prayer, we fix Jesus as He passes by in our mind. Behold, He who was passing by before now stands still, because while we still suffer the crowds of phantasms in prayer, we perceive Jesus as somewhat passing by. But when we persist intensely in prayer, Jesus stands still to restore our sight, because God is fixed in the heart, and the lost light is restored.
Yet in this matter the Lord suggests something else to us, which can be usefully understood concerning His humanity and divinity. For Jesus passing by heard the blind man crying out, but standing still He performed the miracle of illumination. For to pass by belongs to humanity, to stand still belongs to divinity. Through His humanity indeed He experienced being born, growing, dying, rising again, coming from place to place. Therefore, since in divinity there is no changeableness, and this very thing—to be changed—is to pass by, certainly that passing by is from the flesh, not from the divinity. But through His divinity it belongs to Him always to stand still, because He is present everywhere, neither coming through movement nor departing through movement.
But Jericho, which is interpreted 'the moon,' denotes the infirmity of our changefulness.
But recognizing the rumour of Christ, they desired to be made partakers of Him. Many spake against them; first the Jews, as we read in the Acts; then the Gentiles harassed them by persecution; but yet they might not deprive those who were preordained to life of salvation.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
Matthew 20:32 vividly portrays Jesus' profound compassion and deliberate attentiveness to human suffering. As He journeys towards Jerusalem, Jesus interrupts His path to respond directly to the persistent cries of two blind men, demonstrating His willingness to engage personally with those in need and inviting them to articulate their deepest desire, thereby underscoring His accessible authority and the transformative power of His presence.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within Matthew's narrative, immediately following Jesus' third prediction of His passion and resurrection, and a pivotal teaching moment on servant leadership. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus contrasts the worldly pursuit of power with His own mission: "the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." The encounter with the blind men serves as a powerful, immediate illustration of this principle. Despite the crowd's attempts to silence the men (Matthew 20:31), Jesus actively intervenes, showing that His path to Jerusalem is not merely geographical but also deeply relational, marked by compassionate service to the marginalized. This act foreshadows His ultimate act of service on the cross, providing spiritual sight to a blind world.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is Jericho, a significant city on the main route from Galilee to Jerusalem, especially for pilgrims traveling for Passover. Blindness was a common and debilitating affliction in ancient Israel, often leading to social ostracization and reliance on begging. While not always true, it was sometimes mistakenly associated with divine judgment for sin, which further marginalized those afflicted. The title "Son of David" (Matthew 20:30), used by the blind men, was a potent messianic title, acknowledging Jesus' lineage and rightful claim to Israel's throne, and implicitly, His power to heal and restore, a power traditionally associated with the coming Messiah. The crowd's attempt to silence the men reflects a common social dynamic where the desperate and marginalized were often ignored or suppressed.
Key Themes
Matthew 20:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the Compassion and Accessibility of Jesus, demonstrating His profound empathy for the suffering and His willingness to interrupt His journey to engage with their cries. This aligns with themes seen throughout Matthew, such as Jesus' healing ministry to the sick and outcast (Matthew 9:35-36). Secondly, it underscores the Nature of True Authority and Servant Leadership, contrasting Jesus' humble service with the disciples' earlier dispute over greatness. Jesus' action here is a living parable of His teaching in Matthew 20:28. Thirdly, the scene emphasizes the Importance of Persistent Faith and Articulated Prayer, as the blind men's unwavering cries, despite opposition, lead to Jesus' direct intervention. This reinforces Jesus' teaching on seeking and asking in Matthew 7:7-8. Finally, the encounter implicitly points to Divine Sovereignty and the Power to Heal, as Jesus' question "What will ye that I shall do unto you?" presupposes His ability to grant their request, culminating in their miraculous restoration of sight in the subsequent verses.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name "Jehoshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." The presence of Jesus' name here emphasizes that it is He, the incarnate Son of God, who personally and compassionately engages with the suffering. His identity is intrinsically linked to salvation and deliverance, which He demonstrates through His actions.
This verb signifies a deliberate and decisive halt, not a casual pause. It implies a conscious choice to stop movement and attention. Jesus, despite being on a critical journey to Jerusalem, intentionally ceases His progression to make time and space for the marginalized, prioritizing their immediate need over His physical trajectory. This highlights His intentionality and availability.
Meaning "to emit a sound" or "to address in words or by name," this word indicates a distinct, audible summons. Jesus doesn't merely acknowledge the men; He actively calls them to Himself, inviting them into direct communion. This is an act of invitation and accessibility, drawing them out of the crowd and into His personal presence.
This verb denotes a determination or choice stemming from subjective impulse, a wish or preference. Jesus' question, "What will ye that I shall do unto you?" invites the blind men to express their deepest desire, not merely a passive acquiescence. It emphasizes their agency and the importance of their active participation in articulating their need and faith.
Verse Breakdown
"And Jesus stood still"
This clause signifies a profound and deliberate act of compassion. Jesus, despite being on a significant journey to Jerusalem with a large crowd following, intentionally halts His progress. This physical cessation of movement underscores His spiritual attentiveness and willingness to prioritize the immediate needs of the suffering over His own agenda or the momentum of the crowd. It is an active demonstration of His servant heart.
"and called them"
Following His halt, Jesus takes the initiative to summon the blind men. This act of "calling" is an invitation, drawing the marginalized and previously rebuked individuals directly into His presence. It signifies His personal engagement, offering them a direct audience and validating their persistent cries, in stark contrast to the crowd's attempts to silence them.
"and said"
This simple connective introduces Jesus' direct address to the men. It highlights the verbal nature of the interaction, emphasizing that Jesus is not merely acting but also communicating, inviting dialogue and a personal response from those He is about to minister to.
"What will ye that I shall do unto you?"
This question is central to the verse. Though Jesus undoubtedly knew their need, He prompts them to articulate their desire. This serves multiple purposes: it affirms their dignity, requires an act of faith and vocalization from them, and sets the stage for a specific request and a miraculous response. It emphasizes Jesus' desire for active participation and clear communication in the divine-human encounter, even when He knows all things.
Literary Devices
Matthew 20:32 employs several powerful literary devices. Contrast is prominent, highlighting the difference between the crowd's indifference and attempts to silence the blind men versus Jesus' immediate and compassionate engagement. This contrast underscores Jesus' unique character and mission. Irony is also present: the "seeing" crowd attempts to prevent the "blind" men from approaching the source of true sight. Furthermore, Jesus' question, "What will ye that I shall do unto you?", functions as a form of Interrogative Rhetoric. While seemingly obvious, this question is not for Jesus' information but for the men's articulation of faith and desire, drawing them into an active role in their healing. Finally, the entire scene functions as Symbolism, where physical blindness represents spiritual blindness, and Jesus' act of granting physical sight points to His ultimate power to grant spiritual insight and salvation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 20:32 reveals a profound theological truth about the character of God as revealed in Jesus Christ: He is not distant or indifferent to human suffering, but intimately involved and actively responsive. Jesus' willingness to stop, call, and directly engage with the marginalized blind men demonstrates divine compassion that transcends social barriers and human expectations. This encounter foreshadows His ultimate mission to bring light to those in darkness, not just physically but spiritually, by addressing the deepest human need for salvation and restoration. It underscores that true divine power is manifested not in aloofness, but in humble, accessible service and a deep desire to meet the needs of His creation, inviting them to articulate their faith and receive His grace.
Reflection and Application
Matthew 20:32 offers profound encouragement and a powerful challenge for contemporary believers. It reminds us that Jesus is never too busy or too far removed to hear our cries. Just as He "stood still" for the blind men, He remains attentive to our needs, sorrows, and prayers today. This verse invites us to approach Him with boldness and persistence, articulating our deepest desires, even when they seem obvious or our faith feels weak. It teaches us that our vocalized prayers are not merely informative for God, but transformative for us, deepening our dependence and trust. Furthermore, this passage calls us to embody Christ's compassion in our own lives. In a world often rushing past those in need, are we willing to "stand still"—to pause our busy schedules, to truly see, hear, and engage with the suffering around us? Do we, like Jesus, invite others to articulate their needs, offering a listening ear and a helping hand? This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to the cries of the marginalized and to actively participate in God's redemptive work by extending compassion and practical help.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus ask the blind men what they wanted if He already knew they were blind and needed healing?
Jesus' question, "What will ye that I shall do unto you?", was not born out of ignorance but out of intention. Firstly, it affirmed the dignity of the blind men, giving them agency and a voice in their own healing process, rather than treating them as passive recipients. Secondly, it required them to articulate their faith and desire, making their request specific and personal. This act of vocalizing their need was an expression of their dependence and trust in Jesus' power. It also served as a public declaration of their faith, which could strengthen their own belief and serve as a testimony to the surrounding crowd. This aligns with Jesus' consistent pattern of inviting people to participate actively in their own healing or spiritual transformation, as seen in other accounts like the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2:9-11.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Matthew 20:32 beautifully foreshadows and embodies the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the Son of God, "stood still" not only for two physically blind men but, more profoundly, for a spiritually blind humanity. His journey to Jerusalem culminated in His ultimate "standing still" at the cross, where He halted the relentless march of sin and death. Just as He "called" the blind men to Himself, He continually calls all humanity to come to Him for salvation and spiritual sight, echoing His invitation in Matthew 11:28. His question, "What will ye that I shall do unto you?", finds its deepest resonance in the gospel's offer of spiritual healing. The greatest "doing" Jesus accomplished for us was not merely restoring physical sight, but giving His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28), thereby opening the eyes of our hearts to God's truth and grace. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, He offers to do for us what we could never do for ourselves: grant forgiveness, reconcile us to God, and bestow eternal life, transforming our spiritual blindness into glorious light, as promised in passages like John 8:12 and 2 Corinthians 4:6.