Matthew 20:29–34: “Lord, Have Mercy on Us, Son of David”
Introduction
As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, the time draws near when he will establish his kingdom. How, though, will he do this? To be sure, the thronging crowd surrounding him on his way into the capital city have the correct expectations: he will make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Yet, because they do not understand the true nature of his kingdom, they cannot understand the significance of what he does before entering the city by healing two blind men. In this passage, we see a radiant glimmer of the true nature of Christ’s kingdom in his compassion for those who cry out to him for mercy. In the words of Psalm 131:3, this passage teaches us to approach the Lord Jesus Christ with a bold and impudent faith: “O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.”
Discussion Questions
1. How does the transitional conjunction “and” link this story to the previous passage (v. 29a)? How do the two men in this passage compare and contrast with the two sons of Zebedee in the previous passage? What is the difference between coming to Jesus to seek greatness and coming to him to seek mercy? Where is “Jericho” on the way to Jerusalem (v. 29b)? Why do you think that the crowd is “following” Jesus (v. 29c)?
2. How many times do these blind men call Jesus “Lord”? What does the title “Son of David” signify? Where have we seen the title “Son of David” in the rest of the Gospel of Matthew? What specifically do these men ask for in vv. 30, 31? Why do they believe that they need mercy? Do you believe that you need mercy? Why or why not? How does a driving need for mercy shape the way that we approach Jesus?
3. Why do the crowds rebuke these blind men (v. 31a)? Why does Jesus stop to ask the blind men what they want from him (v. 32)? How do these responses illustrate different understandings of the kingdom that Jesus came to inaugurate? What factors do you think were involved in leading the blind men to continue crying out “all the more” (v. 31b) for Jesus’ mercy? What keeps you from the same kind of bold impudence in crying out to Jesus for mercy?
4. Why does Jesus heal the blind men (v. 34a)? Do you also sense your need for Jesus’ pity? How does your sense of a need for mercy shape the way that you approach Jesus by faith? Now that these blind men have received their sight, why do you think they then followed Jesus (v. 34b)? How does the reasons that they followed Jesus compare with the reasons that the crowd has followed Jesus (cf. v. 29)? Why do you follow Jesus?
