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.
Matthew 20:31
In Matthew 20:31, two blind men cry out to Jesus as he passes by. The crowd “rebuked them, because they should hold their peace.” In first-century Galilee, disability often drew pity or scorn, and the prevailing social script favored quiet, orderly reception of authority. The blind men’s calls were disruptive to the crowd’s attempt to preserve a dignified scene for Jesus, who was en route to Jerusalem and the climactic events of Holy Week. Yet the gospel writer notes with emphasis that the men cried out all the more. Their persistence reveals a contrast between human judgment and divine mercy. The phrase “Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David” is not merely a cry for healing; it is a confession of who Jesus is within Matthew’s redemptive storyline. By calling him “Lord” and “son of David,” they acknowledge Jesus as Messiah and rightful king, aligning their need with God’s promised salvific plan. The scene also highlights Jesus’ attentiveness to marginalized voices, a recurring theme in Matthew's Gospel.
This verse foregrounds mercy and the reversal of social expectations. Jesus responds to faith and persistence, not to status or decorum. The blind men’s recognition of Jesus as the Davidic Messiah connects physical healing with spiritual trust. The episode foreshadows the kingdom reality where the afflicted, the outsider, and the persistent in faith receive God’s mercy. It also contrasts crowd opposition with Jesus’ willingness to hear and help those in need. Theologically, it reinforces Jesus’ messianic authority and compassion, and it challenges readers to question who we silence with our own judgments. The larger arc in Matthew emphasizes God’s kingdom breaking into the present through acts of healing, inclusion, and invitation.
We can learn from the blind men’s bold faith: bring our deepest needs to Jesus even when others discourage us. When others rebuke or belittle our prayers, persist in asking for mercy, trusting that Jesus hears the cry of the vulnerable. Practically, this can mean naming areas where we need God’s intervention—physical health, emotional healing, relational reconciliation, or spiritual clarity—and seeking community support in prayer. Like the crowd, we might be tempted to maintain order or comfort at the expense of mercy; choose to respond with compassionate openness instead. In daily life, identify someone who feels overlooked or marginalized and advocate for them, echoing Jesus’ stance of inclusion. Reflect on the confession “Lord, Son of David”—do we recognize Jesus as the true King and submit our needs to his lordship?
Cross-References: Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 35:5-6; James 4:2-3