Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Matthew’s account is simple, stressing that Jesus mercifully healed the men despite the opposition of the crowds that, like the disciples (cf. 19:13–15), wanted to bask in his glory but not practice his compassion. After his healing, unlike 9:30 (see comment), there is no command to be silent. That point in Jesus’ ministry has been reached when more public self-disclosure could not change the course of events. The two healed men joined the crowds following Jesus (v.34), pressing on to the Passover they expected and the Cross they did not.