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Explanation for:
Matthew
20
:
31
And the multitude rebuked them that they should hold their peace. But they cried out the more, saying: O Lord, thou son of David, have mercy on us.
12
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{"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":"In Jericho, there were numerous robbers who frequently inflicted harm and even death on travelers heading to and from Jerusalem. In response, the Lord traveled to Jericho accompanied by His disciples to rescue the afflicted from their suffering and to gather a significant multitude around Him. As He prepared to depart from Jericho, a substantial crowd followed. Had He chosen to remain solely in Jerusalem and avoided reaching out to those in need, the people would have continued to dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Additionally, there were two blind men positioned alongside the road. The term \\"blind\\" refers to those who had not yet grasped the truth expressed in the scripture: \\"In Thy light we shall see light\\" (Ps. 35:10). They were situated there, seemingly familiar with the law, yet lacking understanding of the path, which is Christ Himself. Some interpret these individuals as representing the Pharisees and Sadducees, while others see them as symbols of both Old Testament and New Testament believers; for both groups, be it those adhering to the written law or those following natural law, were spiritually blind without Christ. These blind men could not see but heard the jubilant cries surrounding Jesus and proclaimed Him to be the son of David. If the two blind men are not to be viewed as part of the Jewish people, then the subsequent statement that \\"the crowd kept them silent\\" must refer to the Gentiles, whom the Apostle cautions against arrogance before their root. They are warned that though they have been grafted from a wild olive tree into the good olive tree, they must not envy the salvation of the original branches. They cried out, \\"Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!\\" Despite the crowd attempting to silence them, they continued to call out even more fervently, expressing their profound longing for the true light."},{"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":"Christ did not prevent them from expressing their fervor, allowing their enthusiasm to shine through and demonstrating their worthiness for healing. Unlike His usual practice of inquiring, \\"Do you believe?\\", He recognized their faith through their calls for help and eagerness to approach Him. Let us understand, dear ones, that despite our perceived insignificance and rejection, approaching God with sincere determination empowers us to seek anything we require. Observe how these blind men, despite lacking the support of any apostles and facing many obstacles, boldly advanced toward Jesus. Even though the evangelist does not record any special merits in their lives that warranted their courageous act, their earnestness alone was enough to gain His attention."},{"author-name":"Epiphanius of Pavia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"The journey signifies Christ. Thus, the two blind individuals positioned themselves by the side of the road; having veered off the path of righteousness due to their devotion to false gods, they had lost the vision of their hearts and had descended into the shadows of their transgressions. Consequently, they called out, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ But the crowd hushed them. Undeterred, they cried out even more fervently, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ While the Jewish people were unbelieving and resistant to faith, the Gentiles, through their belief, shouted increasingly loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ Likewise, dear ones, even when we are beset by the jealousy of others and ensnared by the adversary, let us fervently proclaim with unwavering faith, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’"},{"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 sightless men learned about the Lord through word of mouth, and once they realized He was nearby, they seized the moment. They had faith that Jesus, who was of the lineage of David according to the flesh, could restore their sight. Fueled by this intense belief, they did not hold back and instead shouted even louder when others tried to hush them. The Lord did not inquire whether they had faith in Him but simply asked what they desired, so that no one would assume the blind men wanted one thing and received something different. His question also clarified that they were not seeking riches, but rather healing. He restored them through His touch, demonstrating that every part of His holy body is filled with life and divinity. Although Luke and Mark refer to one blind man, there is no contradiction with Matthew; they simply highlight the more notable individual. Luke mentions the healing took place before Christ entered Jericho, while Mark states it occurred after departing from Jericho. Matthew, aiming for conciseness, presents them as happening simultaneously. The blind men symbolize the Gentiles who came to believe in Christ; they were spiritually restored by Him, so to speak, along the journey. While Christ came primarily for the children of Israel, the Gentiles too learned of Him through hearing. Those who attempted to silence the blind men and failed to proclaim Jesus’ name represented the persecutors of the Christians. They endeavored to stifle the church's voice, yet the church proclaimed the name of Christ even more boldly. Thus, she was restored, gaining a clear vision of the light of truth and began to pursue Christ, emulating Him in her actions."},{"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":"The crowd urged them to be quiet, showing reverence for Jesus Christ, whom they were bothering. Observe their determination; we, too, who may be spiritually blind, should earnestly call out to Him. If anyone encounters a hindrance, let us deepen our prayers rather than diminish them, and we will assuredly submit to Him as they did."},{"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":"They called out so fervently and persistently that those leading the way urged them to be quiet, yet they remained unrelenting in their appeals for the compassion of Jesus."},{"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 crowd sought to quiet their voices, deeming their cries inappropriate in the presence of the One destined to enter Jerusalem as the Messiah for His people."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the Lord was leaving Jericho, He performed an act of compassion similar to the one with which He had entered the city. Two men who were blind, one named Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, were seated along the roadside, seeking alms. Upon hearing that Jesus of Nazareth was approaching, they shouted, \\"Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on us! O Lord, Son of David, have mercy!\\" The crowd attempted to silence them, but they cried out even more fervently, \\"Son of David, have mercy!\\""},{"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":"The crowd silenced them to avoid disrupting Jesus Christ, who was likely instructing the people at that moment. They wished for the revered teacher to continue his message without interruption for the blind men. Undeterred, the blind men cried out even more fervently, demonstrating their unwavering faith and hope in the Savior's assistance. In response to their faith and prayers, the Lord acted on their behalf."},{"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 crowd attempted to silence them, possibly because Jesus Christ was teaching His disciples, and they did not wish for the esteemed Teacher to pause His message for the sake of the blind men. However, the blind men cried out all the more earnestly, \\"PLEASE HELP US, O LORD, SON OF DAVID!\\" According to Saint Chrysostom, these blind men exemplified a greater fervor than many others. Although they lacked guidance and could not see the Lord nearing them, their intense yearning to reach Him drove them to call out. When strangers tried to silence them, their cries only grew louder. This demonstrates the power of a resolute spirit; even obstacles lead them closer to their purpose. Unlike His approach with others, Christ did not inquire, \\"Do you believe?\\" because their pleading and determination to approach Him already manifested their faith clearly. Therefore, dear ones, we learn that regardless of our status or how marginalized we might feel, we are encouraged to seek God earnestly for our needs. Let us take inspiration from these blind men. Although God may take time to answer our prayers and many may attempt to hinder our petitions, we must persist in our supplications, for through our perseverance, we will find favor with God."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The accounts of this miraculous event as narrated by the Gospel writers exhibit two distinctions. First, Matthew refers to two men who regained their sight, whereas Mark and Luke mention just one individual. Additionally, Matthew and Mark indicate that the healing occurred as Jesus was leaving the city, contrasting with Luke, who suggests it took place upon His arrival. It is evident that there were indeed two men restored to sight, yet the apostolic tradition prominently features the name of one, Bartimaeus, as noted by Mark. This may explain why the narrative in early Christian history often became associated with Bartimaeus alone.\\n\\nThe second difference can be accounted for by considering that the event may have unfolded in two separate yet connected moments: initially, when the blind men called out for Jesus' mercy as He entered the city, He remained silent, testing their faith. Later, as He was departing, they cried out once more, prompting Him to respond and heal them. Each Gospel writer provides unique details that enhance the story of the healing itself. Upon hearing a crowd nearby, the blind men inquired about the commotion. Realizing it was Jesus of Nazareth, they began to shout for mercy, addressing Him as Lord, Son of David. The crowd attempted to silence them—likely because they wanted to focus on His teaching—but the blind men persisted in their pleas. Eventually, Jesus called them over. Those nearby encouraged the men, telling them to rise and approach Him, instilling them with the assurance that He would heal them. Eager to reach their Redeemer swiftly, they discarded their outer garments to run more freely. When Jesus learned of their request, He touched their eyes and affirmed, \\"Go, your faith has saved you.\\" Instantly, they regained their sight and followed Jesus, praising God."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the crowds gathered, the Lord and His disciples were making their way through Jericho, located approximately six hours from Jerusalem. As they neared the city, a voice was heard calling out, \\"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!\\" This plea came from Bartimaeus, a blind beggar. He addressed Jesus with the esteemed title of Son of David, recognizing Him as the Messiah. The people, interpreting the Messiah’s greatness in their own way rather than as Jesus had taught His disciples, tried to silence the blind beggar, urging him to refrain from interrupting. However, Bartimaeus persisted in shouting, \\"Son of David, have mercy on me.\\" Ultimately, Jesus stopped, instructed that the man be brought to Him, and upon asking him what he needed, restored his sight."}]}
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