Chapter
Verse

Matthew 20:31

ESV The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”
NIV The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!'
NASB But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!'
CSB The crowd demanded that they keep quiet, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David! "
NLT Be quiet!' the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!'
KJV 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.

What does Matthew 20:31 mean?

Two blind men sitting on the side of the road realize that the large crowd passing by them includes Jesus. They see an opportunity. It's not just that they know Jesus as a powerful healer. They recognize Him as the "Son of David," another name for the long-promised Messiah.

When the pair cry out, the crowd apparently sees only two beggars asking for money. Beggars likely often shouted out "have mercy on us" to passers-by, asking for donations. The crowd tells the men to be quiet. With nothing to lose, the two blind men continue to call out to Jesus, the Son of David, to have mercy on them.

This persistence turns out to be worthwhile. This is the last time Jesus will pass this way. Within a week, He will be crucified. If the blind men had tried to wait, or been easily quieted, they would never have another opportunity. This is a fact frequently noted in Christian sermons.
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