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“Jesus Heals Two Blind Men”· Matthew 20:29–34
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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.
And it should be noted what He says to the blind man as he approaches: "What do you want Me to do for you?" Did He who was able to restore light not know what the blind man wanted? But He wishes to be asked for that which He foreknows both that we will ask and that He will grant. For He urges us persistently to prayer, and yet says: "For your heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Therefore He requires to be asked for this reason: He requires it in order to arouse the heart to prayer. Behold, the blind man seeks from the Lord not gold, but light. He considers it worthless to seek anything apart from light, because even if a blind man can possess anything whatsoever, without light he cannot see what he has. Let us therefore imitate, dearly beloved brethren, him whom we have heard was saved both in body and in mind. Let us not seek from the Lord false riches, nor earthly gifts, nor fleeting honors, but light.
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 20:33 captures the direct and fervent plea of two blind men to Jesus as He journeys from Jericho to Jerusalem. Their concise request, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened," encapsulates their desperate physical need, their profound faith in Jesus' messianic authority, and their unwavering hope that He alone possesses the power to restore their sight, setting the stage for a powerful display of divine compassion and miraculous healing.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the latter stages of Jesus' earthly ministry, specifically as He makes His final journey from Jericho towards Jerusalem, a path that will lead directly to His passion, death, and resurrection. Immediately preceding this encounter, Jesus has given His disciples His third prediction of His suffering and resurrection Matthew 20:17-19, followed by the ambitious request of James and John's mother for positions of power in His kingdom, which Jesus uses to teach about true greatness through servanthood Matthew 20:20-28. The healing of the blind men, therefore, serves as a poignant contrast: while some disciples are spiritually blind to the nature of Jesus' kingdom, these physically blind men possess profound spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus' true identity and power. The narrative begins with the men crying out to Jesus as "Son of David" Matthew 20:30, being rebuked by the crowd, yet persisting in their plea, leading to Jesus' compassionate response.
Historical & Cultural Context
Jericho was an ancient and significant city, serving as a key stop on the pilgrimage route from Galilee to Jerusalem. Blindness was a common affliction in the ancient world, often leading to a life of begging and social marginalization, as those affected were unable to work and were sometimes even viewed with suspicion or as suffering divine judgment. The act of begging by the roadside was a typical means of survival for the blind. The title "Son of David" was a highly significant messianic designation, linking Jesus directly to the royal lineage of King David and affirming Him as the promised Messiah who would restore Israel. The crowd's attempt to silence the blind men reflects a common societal tendency to dismiss or marginalize the needy and outcast, highlighting Jesus' counter-cultural compassion. Jesus' healing miracles were not merely acts of benevolence but powerful demonstrations of His divine authority, often fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah, such as the opening of blind eyes Isaiah 35:5.
Key Themes
This passage powerfully articulates several core themes central to Matthew's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Faith and Persistence are paramount, as the blind men, despite being rebuked by the crowd, continue to cry out to Jesus, demonstrating an unwavering conviction in His ability and willingness to help. Their direct and specific request in verse 33 is a testament to their profound trust. Jesus' Compassion is vividly displayed; He does not ignore the marginalized but stops His journey, engages with them personally, and responds to their suffering, embodying the very servanthood He had just taught His disciples. The theme of Physical and Spiritual Sight is also crucial; while the immediate request is for physical healing, the act of "opening eyes" frequently carries a deeper spiritual meaning in Scripture, symbolizing enlightenment, understanding, and recognition of God's truth. These blind men, in their spiritual perception, "see" Jesus' true identity more clearly than many of those with physical sight. Finally, their address to Jesus as "Lord" and "Son of David" underscores the theme of Messianic Identity, affirming His unique power and divine authority as the promised Savior.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
G3004 - This primary verb means "to lay forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words...); by implication, to mean." In this context, it signifies a deliberate and direct utterance from the blind men to Jesus. Their words are not a casual remark but a purposeful and intentional plea, reflecting their earnestness and conviction in addressing Him.
G2962 - Derived from a root implying supremacy, this noun denotes one "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)." The blind men's use of "Lord" is more than a polite address; it is an acknowledgement of Jesus' divine authority and sovereign power, recognizing Him as one who holds dominion and can command healing.
G455 - This verb, formed from ἀνά and a root meaning "to open," means "to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)." Here, it directly refers to the physical restoration of sight. However, its broader scriptural usage often extends to spiritual understanding, lending a subtle layer of meaning to the blind men's desire for both physical and spiritual clarity.
Verse Breakdown
"They say unto him,"
This phrase identifies the two blind men as the speakers and Jesus as the direct recipient of their words. It highlights their determined action in approaching Jesus, despite the crowd's attempts to silence them, underscoring their persistence and focus on Him alone.
"Lord,"
This is the immediate and reverent address used by the blind men. By calling Jesus "Lord," they express not only respect but also a profound recognition of His divine authority and power, echoing their earlier cry of "Son of David" and demonstrating their faith in His messianic identity.
"that our eyes may be opened."
This is the concise and specific request, articulating the precise outcome they desire. The Greek conjunction "that" (ἵνα, hína, G2443) indicates purpose or result, clearly stating the objective of their fervent plea: the restoration of their physical sight. It is a request born of desperate need and confident expectation in Jesus' ability to perform a miracle.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary techniques. Direct Discourse is prominent, as the blind men's exact words are quoted, lending immediacy and authenticity to their desperate plea and allowing the reader to experience the raw emotion and directness of their appeal. There is a powerful Contrast implicit in the scene: the physically blind men possess profound spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus' true identity and authority, while many of those with physical sight (including the crowd and even some disciples) remain spiritually blind to who Jesus truly is and the nature of His kingdom. The phrase "our eyes may be opened" carries significant Symbolism beyond mere physical healing; throughout Scripture, the opening of eyes often signifies spiritual enlightenment, understanding, and revelation. Thus, the physical healing foreshadows the greater spiritual transformation Jesus offers. Finally, an element of Irony is present, as those who are literally sightless are the ones who "see" Jesus most clearly, demonstrating a faith and perception that eludes many who are physically able to see.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 20:33 powerfully illustrates the accessibility of Jesus to those in genuine need and the transformative power of faith. The blind men's direct address to Jesus as "Lord" and their specific request for opened eyes underscores a foundational theological truth: God hears and responds to the cries of the afflicted, especially those who approach Him with humble, persistent faith. This encounter highlights Jesus' compassion as a central attribute of His ministry, demonstrating His willingness to interrupt His journey and engage personally with the suffering. Furthermore, the theme of "sight" extends beyond the physical, pointing to the broader spiritual blindness that afflicts humanity and Jesus' unique capacity to bring spiritual enlightenment and understanding, revealing the truth of God's kingdom.
Reflection and Application
The encounter in Matthew 20:33 serves as a profound model for our own spiritual lives. The blind men's unwavering persistence, despite the crowd's attempts to silence them, challenges us to examine the depth of our own faith and determination in seeking God. Do we allow obstacles, distractions, or even the discouragement of others to deter us from bringing our deepest needs before the Lord? Their specific and direct request for "opened eyes" encourages us to articulate our prayers clearly and with conviction, trusting that Jesus not only hears but cares deeply about our suffering. Moreover, this passage invites us to reflect on areas of our lives where we might be spiritually blind – perhaps to sin, to God's will, or to His presence – and to pray with the same earnestness for clarity and understanding, knowing that Jesus desires to grant us both physical and spiritual sight for His glory and our good.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why do the Gospel accounts sometimes differ in details, such as the number of blind men healed at Jericho?
The Gospel accounts, while consistent in their core theological message, sometimes present variations in minor details, which scholars generally attribute to different emphases, perspectives, or purposes of the individual authors. In this case, Matthew 20:29-34 mentions two blind men, while Mark 10:46-52 focuses on one named Bartimaeus, and Luke 18:35-43 also mentions one, possibly as Jesus was entering Jericho. It's plausible that there were indeed two blind men, and Mark and Luke chose to highlight one prominent individual (Bartimaeus) for their narrative purposes, perhaps because he was well-known or his story particularly impactful. These variations do not undermine the historical truth or divine inspiration of the Gospels but rather demonstrate the complementary nature of their testimonies, each contributing to a fuller picture of Jesus' life and ministry.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The healing of the blind men in Matthew 20:33 serves as a profound microcosm of Christ's broader redemptive work. Their plea for "opened eyes" foreshadows Jesus' ultimate mission to bring spiritual sight to a world blinded by sin and darkness. Just as He restored physical vision, Christ came to open the eyes of humanity to the truth of God, the reality of sin, and the path to salvation. He is the "light of the world" John 8:12, who came to give sight to the spiritually blind, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 61:1. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the spiritual blindness that separates humanity from God, offering a new covenant where the "eyes of our hearts" can be enlightened Ephesians 1:18. The blind men's recognition of Him as "Lord" and "Son of David" points to His messianic identity, which culminated in His reign as King, bringing true spiritual liberation and eternal vision to all who believe. His compassion for the physically blind is a tangible demonstration of His boundless grace for all who are spiritually lost, inviting them to come to Him and receive the true, lasting sight that leads to eternal life John 3:16.