Matt.9:27 – As Jesus went on from there, two men who were blind followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
Matthew tells the story of Bartimaeus a little differently than Mark, this unnamed companion could well be his father Timaeus. Nevertheless, both of these men were blind but even in their blindness they saw clearly what others could not see. This One was the Son of David, this was the Royal heir they had waited for, this was Messiah their prince and they were certain their lives were about to change. We are not certain how these men became blind, it could have very well been a genetic condition that struck both father and son with this debilitating disease. Nevertheless that was all about to change, miracles were in the air and these two blind men were certain about one thing, their lives were about to change. Here is how Spurgeon describes this moment.
“No sooner does Jesus move than fresh candidates for his bounty appear: the blind seek sight from him. Two sightless men had become companions in affliction; they may have been father and son. They were in downright earnest, for they “followed him, crying, and saying, Have mercy on us ” Persevering, vehement, yet intelligent was their appeal. They were of one mind in reference to Jesus, and therefore they went one way, and use one prayer, to one and the same person. Our Lord is here called by his royal name: “Thou Son of David. ” Even the blind could see that he was a king’s son. As Son of David, he is entreated to show mercy, and act according to his royal nature. It is mercy which gives us our faculties, and mercy alone can restore them.”
I love Spurgeon’s line, “even the blind could see that He was a King’s son”. They had obviously heard the stories about others who had received their miracles, they concluded this was the One the prophets had spoken about, this was truly the promised son of David and they were going to receive a life changing miracle. The resistance of the crowds to their crying meant nothing to them, all they did was shout a little louder. What was their cry, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”. That’s a good place for all of us to start, crying out for the mercy of God.
