Matthew 20:31

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David.

And {G1161} the multitude {G3793} rebuked {G2008} them {G846}, because {G2443} they should hold their peace {G4623}: but {G1161} they cried {G2896} the more {G3185}, saying {G3004}, Have mercy {G1653} on us {G2248}, O Lord {G2962}, thou Son {G5207} of David {G1138}.

The crowd scolded them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord! Son of David! Have pity on us!"

The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David.

Commentary

Context

Matthew 20:31 takes place as Jesus and His disciples are departing from Jericho, en route to Jerusalem for the final time before His crucifixion. The preceding verses (Matthew 20:29-30) describe two blind men sitting by the wayside who, upon hearing that Jesus was passing by, began to cry out for mercy. This event follows Jesus' teaching on humility and servanthood, emphasizing that the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.

Key Themes

  • Perseverance in Faith: Despite being "rebuked" by the multitude and told to "hold their peace," the blind men refused to be silenced. Their desperate need and unwavering faith in Jesus' ability to heal them drove them to cry out "the more." This highlights the importance of persistence in seeking God.
  • Jesus' Messianic Identity: The blind men's repeated cry, "O Lord, thou Son of David," is highly significant. "Son of David" was a recognized messianic title, directly linking Jesus to the royal lineage of King David and affirming their belief in Him as the long-awaited Messiah who would restore Israel.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: The crowd acted as an immediate obstacle to the blind men's access to Jesus. Their rebuke represents the various human and societal pressures that can try to deter individuals from seeking spiritual help or expressing their faith. However, the men's determination serves as an example of pushing past such hindrances.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Son of David" (Greek: huios Dauid) is crucial. It's a clear recognition of Jesus' status as the Messiah, the promised King who would inherit the throne of His ancestor, David, according to the prophetic covenant found in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. The blind men's use of this title indicates not just a plea for pity, but a profound understanding (or at least a hopeful acknowledgment) of Jesus' divine authority and kingly power to act on their behalf. The term "mercy" (Greek: eleison) implies a plea for compassionate intervention, particularly in the context of physical suffering and spiritual need.

Practical Application

Matthew 20:31 offers powerful lessons for believers today. It encourages us to:

  • Persist in Prayer: Like the blind men, we should not be discouraged by external voices, societal pressures, or even our own perceived unworthiness when seeking God's help. Jesus Himself taught the importance of persistent prayer.
  • Identify Jesus Correctly: Recognizing Jesus as Lord and "Son of David" means acknowledging His full authority, divine nature, and His power to bring healing and deliverance. Approaching Him with such faith is foundational.
  • Overcome Distractions: Life is full of "multitudes" that might try to silence our faith or distract us from Jesus. This verse reminds us to keep our focus on Him, crying out with even greater fervor when obstacles arise.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 19:13 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put [his] hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

  • Colossians 4:2 (3 votes)

    ¶ Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

  • Matthew 7:7 (2 votes)

    Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

  • Matthew 7:8 (2 votes)

    For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

  • Luke 18:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

  • Luke 18:8 (2 votes)

    I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (2 votes)

    Pray without ceasing.