What does Matthew 20:30 mean?

Explanation

In Matthew 20:30, we find a passage that describes an encounter between Jesus and two blind men.

According to the verse, as Jesus was passing by, the two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and upon hearing that Jesus was near, they began to cry out for mercy, addressing him as "O Lord, thou Son of David." The cry for mercy indicates their desire for healing and their recognition of Jesus' ability to heal.

The title "Son of David" is significant as it is a messianic title, linking Jesus to the lineage of King David and acknowledging him as the prophesied Messiah who was to come and save Israel.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a narrative in the Gospel of Matthew, which is one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament.

Matthew was primarily written for a Jewish audience and often emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, as seen in the acknowledgement of Jesus as the "Son of David." During this period, it was expected that the Messiah would come from the line of David.

Moreover, blindness was a common affliction in the ancient world, and those afflicted with it were typically marginalized. The action of these men reaching out to Jesus symbolizes the hope that Jesus was bringing to those on the margins of society.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse illuminates several key aspects:

Jesus as the Messiah: The blind men's identification of Jesus as the "Son of David" reflects the messianic expectations present among some Jews at the time. 2.

The Mercy of Christ: The plea for mercy reflects a belief in Jesus' compassion and power to heal both physical and spiritual ailments. 3.

Faith and Persistence: The blind men's shouting despite possible crowd's rebuke (as seen in the following verses) displays a persistent faith that Jesus can and will respond to their needs.

Practical Applications

The verse can inspire practical applications in daily life:

Advocacy for the marginalized: As the blind men were marginalized, believers are encouraged to advocate for those who are overlooked or oppressed in society. 2.

Persistence in Prayer: The blind men's tenacity in calling out to Jesus serves as an example to persist in one's faith and prayers, even when others may discourage such actions. 3.

Recognition of Divine Authority: By addressing Jesus as "Lord" and "Son of David," the passage highlights the importance of recognizing and affirming Jesus' authority and role in one's life.

Cross-References

• Matthew 9:27 – "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us."
• Mark 10:47 – "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me."
• Luke 18:38 – "And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me."

Language Study

The term "Son of David" (Greek: υἱὸς Δαυίδ, huios David) is rich with meaning in this context.

The word "υἱὸς" (huios) means "son" and carries an implication of lineage. "Δαυίδ" (David) directly refers to King David, the second king of the united Kingdom of Israel.

When used together, "Son of David" signifies a messianic title drawn from Jewish expectations based on prophecies such as those found in Isaiah 11:1-10.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing the Christian narrative of Jesus being the "Son of David" with other ancient myths, we notice a common theme of prophesied saviors or heroes who are linked to royal or divine lineages.

For example, in Greek mythology, heroes like Perseus or Hercules are often depicted as having divine heritage which grants them the ability to perform superhuman feats, similar to the expectations of the Messiah having divine sanction and power.

Scientific Perspectives

While modern scientific understandings of blindness and its treatments are far advanced compared to ancient times, there is no scientific basis for the miraculous healings attributed to Jesus.

Such events are considered to be matters of faith rather than empirical science.

Nonetheless, the social model of disability can help us understand how societal attitudes towards disabilities have evolved and how to promote inclusivity and accessibility in contemporary contexts.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have provided insights concerning Matthew 20:30:

William Barclay suggests that the blind men's use of "Son of David" as a title for Jesus is a declaration of faith that identifies Jesus not only as a healer but also as the promised deliverer. 2.

R.T.

France notes that the physical healing serves as a metaphor for spiritual salvation and that the "Son of David" title links Jesus' ministry to Old Testament prophecy. 3.

John Calvin comments on the persistence and bold faith of the blind men, which is commendable and exemplary for believers in any age seeking divine assistance or intervention.

Each of these perspectives adds layers of understanding to the text, encompassing historical, theological, and practical points of view.