←
Explanation for:
Matthew
9
:
27
And as Jesus passed from thence, there followed him two blind men crying out and saying, Have mercy on us, O Son of David.
12
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"As the Lord Jesus made His way to His home, He passed the house of a ruler. As we previously noted, He boarded a boat, crossed the sea, and returned to His own city. At that time, two blind men cried out for mercy, addressing Him as the Son of David. Their healing did not occur as He was on His journey or merely in passing but only after He had reached His home. It was then that they approached Him and entered the house, where their faith was initially tested, allowing them to receive the true light of faith. The earlier account concerning the ruler's daughter and the woman suffering from hemorrhages is linked to this instance, whereby the sickness and frailty previously mentioned are now represented by blindness. Both the Jews and Gentiles were spiritually blind as the Lord traversed this earthly life and sought to return to His heavenly abode. However, had they not acknowledged Him by saying, \\"Have mercy on us, O Son of David,\\" and had they not responded to His inquiry, \\"Do you believe that I can do this?\\" affirming with, \\"Yes, Lord,\\" they would not have attained the initial enlightenment. \\n\\nIn another Gospel, there is a story of a blind man in tattered clothing, who sat by the roadside in Jericho and was hindered by the disciples from calling out, yet through his persistence, he received his sight (Mark 10:46-52). This account pertains to the heathen and must be understood within the context provided. Let Marcion, Manichaeus, and other heretics who distort the Old Testament take heed, for the Savior is indeed referred to as the Son of David. If He were not born in the flesh, why then is He called the Son of David?"},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Why does Christ guide the blind to follow Him and seek forgiveness? To instruct us, even in this instance, to turn away from human acclaim. Since the dwelling was nearby, He directs them there with the aim of restoring their sight in seclusion. This is clear because Christ did not instruct anyone to proclaim the miracle. It also serves as a slight rebuke to the Jews, as the blind, unable to see, acquire faith through mere reports, while the Jews, witnessing the miracles and verifying them with their own eyes, respond differently. Notice, too, the fervor of the blind men, evident in their cries and appeals; they did not simply approach but shouted with great intensity, saying nothing more than, 'Have mercy on us!' They referred to Him as the Son of David, believing it to be a title of respect. Similarly, the prophets would address kings in this manner whom they wished to honor and elevate."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"As the Lord departed from that location, two blind men began to follow Him. But how could these men be aware of the Lord’s presence, or recognize His name? They referred to Him as the Son of David and implored Him for healing. The narrative of the two blind men sheds light on the earlier illustration. It indicates that the daughter of the ruler belonged to this group; she was the offspring of the Pharisees and the followers of John, who had previously attempted to challenge the Lord. Thus, the law made known to those who were unenlightened the true source from which they sought healing, revealing that their Savior had a physical lineage tracing back to David. It illuminated their souls, which were shrouded in the darkness of past sins, for they could not perceive Christ without guidance. The Lord demonstrated that true faith should lead to healing rather than healing fostering faith—for the blind men were indeed blind because of their faith, not merely because they believed after gaining sight. This indicates that their request was fulfilled through faith, not that they received faith as a result of having their needs met. If they have faith, He promises them sight, but instructs the believers to keep quiet, as proclaiming the truth is the duty of the apostles."},{"author-name":"Chromatius of Aquileia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a3df6d7a747a33b4f4a_Chromatius%20of%20Aquileia.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"In a symbolic sense, the two blind men can be understood to represent the two nations that were split into separate kingdoms under Rehoboam, his son, and Jeroboam, his servant, following the death of Solomon. Interpreting these blind men as signifying the Jewish nation and the Gentile people is not fully applicable. How could the Gentiles, prior to their enlightenment, have praised Christ, the son of David, without first hearing the law or the prophets? Thus, it is more plausible to see the blind men as embodying two nations that could have learned about Christ, the son of David, through the law and the prophets. Both were blinded by the ignorance of their hearts, unable to perceive the true light— the only begotten Son of God who is foretold in the law and by the prophets. Having turned away from the light of faith and allowed the veil of the law to obscure their understanding, they dwell in a profound darkness, as the blessed apostle states: Hitherto, when they read Moses, the veil lay upon their heart; but when they turn to the Lord, then this veil is removed (2 Cor. 3:15-16). Furthermore, he adds that the same veil remains unlifted even now when the Old Testament is read, because it is taken away in Christ (2 Cor. 3:14). Therefore, it is evident that as soon as these blind men believed in the Son of God, their sight was restored. This illustrates that anyone from either nation who comes in faith to the Son of God for the salvation of humanity will, without delay, be freed from the blindness of error and will recognize the true light."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The blind men cried out to Him as the Divine, pleading for mercy, while they referred to Him as a man by calling Him the ‘Son of David.’ This title was commonly believed among the Jewish people, as it was well-known that the Messiah would arise from the lineage of David."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Upon hearing about the wonders He had carried out and recognizing Him as the long-awaited Messiah they had frequently spoken of, they approached Him, pleading for mercy, which signifies a request for healing. They referred to Him as the Son of David, having learned that the Messiah would arise from David’s lineage. By using this title, they aimed to pay Him the utmost respect, for in Jewish tradition, this title held immense significance. While they had faith in His ability to accomplish great deeds, they had not yet fully grasped His divine nature. Thus, they revered Him as a remarkable human being, echoing the sentiments of others around them."},{"author-name":"Gregorios Palamas","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bfc03f555204c307b7e_Gregorios%20Palamas.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":14,"exegesis-text":"Our Lord Jesus Christ, who inhabited an earthly body for our benefit, performed numerous healings on those blind both in body and spirit. The transition from disbelief to faith, and from ignorance to the knowledge of God, signifies spiritual sight that cannot be confined to mere numbers; those who regained their sight through the Lord's Incarnation are known only to Him, who has counted even the strands of our hair. Examining the physical healing, we discover various methods: some were healed by a mere utterance of Christ, while others were restored with a single touch, through the act of approaching Christ, or by anointing with spittle. As recounted in Matthew, when He visited the Sea of Galilee, a vast crowd brought with them the lame, the blind, the mute, and the crippled, all of whom He healed as they were laid at His feet, prompting the crowd to marvel and praise Him as they witnessed the mute speaking, the lame walking, the healed cripple, and the blind receiving their sight (Matthew 15:29). Similarly, as Matthew narrates, when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey in fulfillment of prophecy, the children sang praises to Him as God, and He healed all those who came to Him, both lame and blind (Matthew 21:14). \\n\\nUpon arriving in Bethsaida, as Mark details, a blind man was brought to Him, requesting His touch. The Lord escorted him out of the village, spat on his eyes, laid hands on him, and restored his sight gradually; after further laying on of hands, the man received complete visibility. As Luke recounts, while approaching Jericho, Jesus healed a blind beggar with just one word, instructing him to \\"See\\" (Luke 21:14). Continuing on His journey from Jericho, as Mark records, He restored sight to another blind man named Bartimaeus, affirming, “It shall be to you according to your faith” (Mark 10:52). In Jerusalem, John narrates how Jesus came upon a man blind from birth. Moved by compassion, without being asked, He spat on the ground, made clay, anointed the man's eyes, and commanded him to wash in the pool of Siloam; upon doing so, the man could see (John 9:7). \\n\\nMoreover, after raising Jairus's daughter from the dead, as noted by Matthew, two blind men pursued Him, shouting for mercy, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” Why does the Evangelist emphasize this? Not just in this instance but previously as well; he recalls Jesus seeing a man at the tax booth and transforming him with a single command (Matthew 9:9). This suggests that there is a deeper, more profound meaning intended for the discerning reader. A thoughtful examination of the narrative reveals a wise and marvelous declaration. The Lord resided in Capernaum, as noted by the Evangelist, who states, “He came and dwelt in Capernaum” (Matthew 4:13). This location symbolized Heaven itself, containing the One who dwells in Heaven, prompting the Lord to remark, “And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to Heaven?” (Luke 10:15). \\n\\nWhen viewed in light of His descent from Heaven, we see the selection of the Apostles and the cleansing of our sinful nature; conversely, through His transition from Capernaum, He validated His prior words with miraculous deeds, transforming Matthew from a tax collector to an Apostle while healing a woman suffering from hemorrhages. Following the raising of Jairus's daughter, a display of His triumph over death, He returned to the location from which He had come. Upon His return, He opened the eyes of the blind men who had been following Him. Thus, He descended even to death, abolishing its hold through His Resurrection, and ascended into Heaven before descending back to earth. He opened the understanding of His disciples to comprehend the Scriptures. They went forth proclaiming Him throughout the world, much like the blind men who, upon receiving sight, “came forth and glorified Him in all the earth” (Matthew 9:31). \\n\\nDo you recognize a profound symbolism in this narrative that reflects the entire work of the God-Man? The phrase “going forth from thence” is mentioned twice to denote His departure and return. In parallel to His exit and return, as the High Priest, He descended from the divine Throne to the depths of human existence and then ascended to His rightful place, seated upon His throne. Hence, the two blind men following the Lord, as He returned to Capernaum, symbolized the two nations: the Jews and the Gentiles. This reflects our Lord Jesus Christ, whose title as \\"priest\\" is derived from Hebrews 7 and 8. They cried out, “Have mercy on us, O Son of David,” affirming His role as the prophesied and awaited Messiah."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"As our Lord Jesus Christ was traveling from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue, to another location, two blind men followed Him, calling out, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ (Matthew 9:18, 27; Mark 5:22; Luke 8:41). Yet, the details regarding the plight of these two blind men—the nature of their blindness, how they came to be blind, and the duration of their affliction—are not disclosed by the holy narrator of the Gospel. This omission suggests that such information may have seemed unnecessary. However, it is clear why they were moved to pursue Jesus, pleading for mercy. Prior to their healing, the Lord had raised Jairus's daughter, and news of this miraculous event had spread throughout the region, as noted by the same Gospel writer (Matthew 9:26). Upon hearing of this miracle, the blind men likely sought after Christ, imploring Him for compassion, hopeful that they too might receive their sight, given that Jairus's daughter had been restored to life. In their respectful acknowledgment, they referred to Jesus as the Son of David, not only because David was esteemed and revered as a holy king and prophet of God but also because it was widely believed that the Messiah, foretold by the holy prophets, would come from David’s lineage. Although the blind men cried out fervently along the path, ‘Have mercy on us, O Son of David’; Jesus, seeking to avoid human acclaim, did not respond until He reached the house."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Divine Miracle Worker, having revived Jairus' daughter, departed from the joyful household, surrounded by a multitude who, despite the command not to share the event, were already aware of what had transpired within the residence of the chief synagogue leader. After leaving that place, two blind men followed Him, calling out earnestly: “Have mercy on us, O Jesus, Son of David,” the long-desired Messiah, awaited by many. However, it seemed as though the Lord did not acknowledge them until they reached the home where He was lodging. St. Chrysostom poses the question, “Why does Christ allow the blind to follow Him?” and responds, “To instruct us to shun the praise of men. He leads them into the house to heal them privately, as seen by His instruction not to disclose the miracle.” This situation also serves as a rebuke to the Jewish people; although the blind, lacking physical sight, attain faith through hearsay, the Jews, who witness the miracles firsthand, respond with skepticism. The earnestness of the blind can be discerned in their cry for mercy. They referred to Him as the Son of David, for they considered it an esteemed title, similar to how the prophets addressed kings they wished to honor. The blessed Theophylact notes, “The blind appeal to God for mercy and call Him Son of David as they speak to men.” Yet the Lord delayed in granting their request. He sought for the people, having witnessed numerous miracles, to focus more on His divine teachings rather than merely being astonished by His acts. Furthermore, He likely wished to avoid stirring up the crowds who might prematurely exclaim Him as the Son of David, potentially inciting unrest against the Romans."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Two blind individuals: “who acknowledged the wonders of the Lord and had faith that He was the prophesied Messiah” (Eph. xi.). The title, ‘Son of David,’ is synonymous with the term Messiah. The Lord truly was a descendant of David (Matt. 1:1). Their plea for mercy reflects the blind men's trust in the Lord's ability to perform miracles."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As Jesus departed from the home of Jairus, a multitude of individuals trailed behind Him, calling out, \\"Have mercy on us, Jesus, Son of David!\\" Although He continued on as if He did not hear their pleas, His intention was to assess the faith of those who recognized Him as the Son of David, meaning the Anointed One."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The remarkable occurrences of that day were also highlighted by a magnificent display of divine power. After departing from Jairus' home, two blind men trailed after Jesus, calling out in voices that had never been heard before: “Have mercy on us, Jesus, Son of David!”"}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
