Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want Me to do for you?" He asked. Jesus stopped and called them.In the context of Matthew 20, Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem, where He will soon face crucifixion. Despite the urgency of His mission, He stops for two blind men who are calling out to Him. This demonstrates Jesus' compassion and willingness to address the needs of individuals, even when He is focused on a larger mission. The act of stopping signifies the importance Jesus places on personal interaction and care. This moment reflects the nature of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who knows His sheep and responds to their cries (John 10:14). The calling of the blind men also echoes the call of God to humanity, inviting them into a relationship with Him. Mrk 10:49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called… “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus' question is not due to a lack of knowledge, as He is omniscient, but rather serves to engage the blind men in expressing their faith and desire. This question invites them to articulate their need, demonstrating their faith in His ability to heal. It is reminiscent of God's invitation to Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted (1 Kings 3:5), highlighting the importance of asking in faith. This interaction underscores the biblical principle of asking and receiving, as seen in Matthew 7:7, where Jesus teaches about the importance of prayer and seeking God's help. The question also serves to focus the men's faith specifically on Jesus as the source of their healing, reinforcing the personal nature of their encounter with Him. Mrk 10:36 “What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired. He asked. The act of asking indicates Jesus' desire for a personal relationship and interaction with those He encounters. It reflects the relational aspect of God's nature, as seen throughout Scripture, where God engages with individuals in a personal and direct manner. This moment is a demonstration of Jesus' humility and approachability, qualities that are central to His ministry. By asking, Jesus also models the importance of communication and dialogue in relationships, both with God and with others. This approach is consistent with the biblical theme of God seeking a personal relationship with humanity, as seen in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:9) and throughout the narrative of Scripture. Mrk 8:23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is the compassionate healer and teacher who stops to address the needs of those calling out to Him. 2. The Blind Men Two blind men sitting by the roadside who call out to Jesus for mercy, demonstrating faith and persistence. 3. The Crowd The people accompanying Jesus, who initially rebuke the blind men, but later witness Jesus' compassion and power. 4. Jericho The city near which this event takes place, a significant location in biblical history, often associated with miraculous events. 5. The Roadside The setting of this encounter, symbolizing the marginalization of the blind men and their desperate situation. Teaching Points Compassion of ChristJesus' willingness to stop and address the needs of the marginalized teaches us about His compassionate nature. We are called to emulate this compassion in our interactions with others. Faith and Persistence The blind men's persistence in calling out to Jesus, despite being rebuked by the crowd, highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in seeking God's help. Personal Relationship with Jesus Jesus' question, "What do you want Me to do for you?" invites a personal response, encouraging us to bring our specific needs and desires to Him in prayer. Overcoming Obstacles The crowd's initial rebuke represents obstacles that can hinder our approach to Jesus. We must be determined to overcome such barriers in our spiritual journey. Witnessing Miracles The crowd's change in attitude after witnessing the miracle reminds us of the power of testimony and the impact of witnessing God's work in the lives of others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' response to the blind men challenge us to respond to those in need around us?2. In what ways can we demonstrate the same faith and persistence as the blind men in our own lives? 3. What obstacles do we face that might prevent us from approaching Jesus with our needs, and how can we overcome them? 4. How does this passage encourage us to be specific in our prayers and requests to God? 5. How can witnessing God's work in the lives of others strengthen our own faith and the faith of those around us? Connections to Other Scriptures Mark 10:46-52This parallel account provides additional details, such as the name of one of the blind men, Bartimaeus, and emphasizes the faith of the blind men. Luke 18:35-43 Another parallel account that highlights the persistence of the blind men and the immediate response of Jesus to their faith. Isaiah 35:5 Prophecy about the Messiah opening the eyes of the blind, which connects to Jesus fulfilling messianic prophecies through His miracles. Hebrews 11:6 Emphasizes the importance of faith, which is demonstrated by the blind men in their approach to Jesus.
People David, Jesus, Zabdi, ZebedeePlaces Jericho, Jerusalem, JudeaTopics Saying, Stood, Stopped, StoppingDictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 20:26-34 1416 miracles, nature of Library February 2. "And Whosoever Will be Great among You, Let Him be Your Minister. And Whosoever Will be Chief among You, Let Him be Your Servant" (Matt. xx. 26, 27). "And whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister. And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant" (Matt. xx. 26, 27). Slave is the literal meaning of the word, doulos. The first word used for service is diakanos, which means a minister to others in any usual way or work: but the word doulos means a bond slave, and the Lord here plainly teaches us that the highest service is that of a bond slave. He Himself made Himself the servant of all, and he who would come … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Nearest to Christ The Servant-Lord and his Servants What the Historic Christ Taught About his Death Blind Bartimeus Delivered on the Lord's Day, on that which is Written in the Gospel, Matt. xx. 1, "The Kingdom of Heaven is Like unto a Man That On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men Sitting by the Way Side, and Crying Out, "Lord, have Mercy On Divine Sovereignty The Private Thoughts and Words of Jesus Particular Redemption Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday Augustine 354-430 -- the Recovery of Sight by the Blind The Historical Books of the New Testament, Meaning Thereby the Four Gospels and the Acts... The Johannine Writings Ci. Foretelling his Passion. Rebuking Ambition. Cii. Bartimæus and his Companion Healed. The vineyard Labourers. Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome. The Blessing of Being with Good People. How Certain Illusions were Removed. Why Men do not Attain Quickly to the Perfect Love of God. Of Four Degrees of Prayer. Of the First Degree. The Doctrine Profitable for Beginners, The First Last, and the Last First Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life The Compassion of Jesus Links Matthew 20:32 NIVMatthew 20:32 NLT Matthew 20:32 ESV Matthew 20:32 NASB Matthew 20:32 KJV Matthew 20:32 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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