Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 20:31

"And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David." — Matthew 20:31 (ASV)

The multitude rebuked them. The silence of our Lord and the hushed reverence of the multitude led people to view the eager, clamorous supplication as intrusive. The entry of the Prophet, who was about to claim His kingdom, was not to be disturbed in this way. But they were not to be silenced, and for centuries, the litanies of Christendom have been modeled on the Kyrie Eleïson (“Lord, have mercy upon us”) that came from their lips.