John Calvin 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)

And the multitude reproved them. It is surprising that the disciples of Christ, who follow him out of a sense of duty and respect, should wish to drive wretched men from the favor of Christ and, as far as it is in their power, to prevent the exercise of his power. But it frequently happens that the majority of those who profess the name of Christ, instead of inviting us to him, rather hinder or delay our approach.

If Satan endeavored to throw obstacles in the way of two blind men through pious and simple persons, who were motivated by some religious feelings to follow Christ, how much more will he succeed in accomplishing this through hypocrites and traitors, if we are not strictly on our guard. Perseverance is therefore necessary to overcome every difficulty, and the more numerous the obstacles are that Satan throws in the way, the more powerfully we ought to be stirred to earnestness in prayer, as we see that the blind men redoubled their cry.