Matthew 20: 29 34 Jesus Heals Two Blind Men

Target year level: Year Two, Year Four

Scripture text

World behind the text

The authorship of the Gospel which bears the name of Matthew is uncertain. It is generally accepted that the author is not the apostle Matthew. The author was probably a Jewish convert who was familiar with the Law, Prophets, Jewish traditions and Messianic expectations. Matthew’s frequent reference to Hebrew Scriptures and traditions suggest that his audience were predominantly Jewish Christians for whom Matthew sought to emphasise the continuity between Judaism and Christianity. Some argue that because of his missionary outlook and openness to gentiles that the gospel was written for a gentile audience as well. The Gospel of Matthew was probably written between 85 and 90 CE.

Illness (blindness)

Good health was seen as a reward for ‘right living’, whereas illnesses such as blindness were seen as a punishment. If one was blind, it meant they were a sinner or perhaps their parent had sinned (if they were born blind). It would be expected that a blind person be contrite (to show they are sorry for their sin). (Source: Into the Desert, Dan White)

Healing

It was believed in this time, that healing could occur through touch. So, for the audience of this text, Jesus touching a person and healing them is something that they would have believed and understood.

Cultural Understanding

For Jesus to stop, listen and help a blind person is an amazing thing. Most would have ignored them as they were outcasts from society and they had got what they deserved because they had sinned. Jesus goes against the general attitude and stops and asks them “What do you want me to do for you”? He also shows compassion to them and heals them. (Michael Fallon)

Cultural Understanding

The blind men were outcasts in society due to their shame, as they were regarded as sinners. This explains why the crowd would tell them to be quiet when they called out to Jesus (v. 31) However, Jesus listens to their repeated cries and shows compassion to them and heals them. They then stand up and follow Jesus, and are brought back into community. They are no longer outsiders.

World of the text

‘Son of David’ - This term is used by the blind men, which demonstrates they know and believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Through the use of this title, the blind men recognise Jesus as Lord.

Use of metaphor

In this story, the blind men can be seen as representing the disciples or the community in general. Jesus has spoken about his mission over and over again, but still they fail to fully understand (they are blind to the true meaning). So, Jesus ‘opens their eyes’ and they ‘see’ and stand up and follow Jesus.

Geography

Jesus was on his journey to Jerusalem for the Passover. In this story he was leaving Jericho and continuing on his journey.

Jericho

In the oasis area north of the Dead Sea, Jericho is thought to be one of the oldest towns in the world. Travellers from the region of Galilee would have followed the Jordan Valley southward as they headed to Jerusalem. Jericho would have been an overnight stopping point. The road from Jericho to Jerusalem was a day’s journey, gradually winding uphill through a wilderness region (about 33km of rough and undulating terrain). Despite the notorious dangers of roads like the one from Jericho to Jerusalem (v. 29; compare Lk 10:30), many beggars would have sought alms from Passover pilgrims there in this season.

(Source: Into the Desert, Dan White and IVP- from Bible Gateway)

World in front of the text

Responding to Jesus' compassionate healing, the formerly blind men now choose to follow him, becoming models of discipleship. We who have seen both Jesus' power and his compassion best show our love by following him as disciples. We should remember, however, that following Jesus means following to the cross.

What does this mean to us now?
How do we bring people back to community?
Who are the outsiders in our community?
How do we treat the outsiders in our community?

What was the mission of Jesus? Who did he come to help? (The poor and the needy).

Why do we need to help those in need? How can we do this?