What does Matthew 20:32 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:32 depicts a moment of compassionate attention Jesus extends to two blind men.

The verses leading up to this tell us that as Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples, a large crowd followed him.

Two blind men, upon hearing that Jesus was passing by, began to cry out to Him for mercy.

The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more.

Jesus stopped, stood still, and engaged with them directly, inquiring about their desires.

His question, "What will ye that I shall do unto you?" indicates His openness to listen and respond to their needs.

This signifies not only His power to heal but also His willingness to provide personalized attention despite the multitude around Him.

The deeper meaning here conveys Jesus’ compassion and the idea that no person's plea is too insignificant for His attention.

Historical Context

This event takes place in the context of Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, where He will be crucified.

The Gospel of Matthew was likely written in the late first century AD, a time when followers of Jesus were spreading His teachings and stories of His miracles.

During this period, healings and miracles were seen as signs of divine power and validation of a prophet’s message.

Jericho was a significant city situated near the Jordan River and had historical importance stretching back to the Old Testament.

Blindness was common in the Middle East due to the harsh living conditions and lack of modern medicine, often relegating those affected to a life of begging and marginalization.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates the concept of Jesus as a healer, not just in a physical sense, but also as a restorer of faith and spiritual sight.

Many Christian theologians would suggest that this account illustrates Jesus' fulfillment of Messianic prophecies such as those found in Isaiah 35:5, which states that the eyes of the blind shall be opened.

Additionally, the persistence of the blind men despite the crowd's opposition is often interpreted as an exemplar of persistent faith.

The act of Jesus asking what the men wanted, despite clearly knowing they were blind, can be seen as a call for individuals to express their faith and articulate their need for divine intervention.

Practical Applications

The verse imparts several practical applications for daily life. Firstly, it encourages individuals to be persistent in their prayers and to have faith, even when faced with opposition. It also serves as an example to believers to be compassionate and attentive to those in need, just as Jesus was.

Furthermore, in a broader societal context, it can inspire action towards social issues such as supporting those with disabilities and advocating for inclusivity.

As Jesus did not ignore the marginalized, the verse encourages individuals to be kind, listen to those who are often ignored, and take action to assist them.

Cross-References

• Matthew 9:27-30: "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us."
• Mark 10:46-52: The story of Bartimaeus, another blind man whom Jesus healed, echoes the themes of mercy and faith.
• Isaiah 35:5: "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the words used are significant:

• "σταθεὶς" (stathéis) translates as "stood still," which implies a deliberate halt in movement by Jesus, emphasizing His intentionality in stopping to address the need presented.
• "ἐφώνησεν" (ephṓnēsen) means "called" or "cried out," denoting a verbal summoning, which illustrates Jesus' active engagement with the blind men.
• "Τί θέλετε" (Ti thelete) can be translated as "What do you want" or "What will ye," points to Jesus’ question and His invitation for a response, indicating a relational, interactive aspect of His ministry.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this story to other ancient myths and religious narratives, healing stories are a common motif wherein deities or heroes bestow miracles upon mortals.

However, what stands unique in this Biblical account is the personal attention and care that Jesus, a central religious figure, extends to individuals of low social status, which contrasts with many ancient myths where divine intervention is reserved for the elite or is used to demonstrate power rather than compassion.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, blindness in Jesus' time could have been caused by treatable conditions such as cataracts or infections. Today, medical advancements could potentially address such issues.

However, the verse is not focused on the medical aspect of healing but rather on the interpersonal engagement and spiritual transformation.

The narrative invites a discussion on the holistic approach to healing and care, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, which is acknowledged in some contemporary healthcare models.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse stress several different points.

Some experts focus on the faith of the blind men and their refusal to be silenced by the crowd, which showcases their determination and belief in Jesus' power to heal.

Others highlight Jesus' question as an act that dignifies the individuals, allowing them to express their desires, rather than being presumptively healed.

Still, other scholars remark on the symbolic nature of this healing, viewing physical blindness as a metaphor for spiritual blindness and Jesus as the light that gives sight to both the eyes and the soul.

There is a consensus among many commentators that this verse exemplifies the compassionate and merciful character of Jesus.