Monday, 22 June 2026
So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him. Matthew 20:34
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“Having gut-wrenched, also Jesus, He touched the ‘eyes, theirs’, and immediately they up-looked, their ‘the eyes’, and they followed Him.” (CG)
In the previous verse, the blind men told Jesus they desired that their eyes be opened. With that noted, it next says, “Having gut-wrenched, also Jesus.”
A great multitude of the city of Jericho had followed Jesus as He traversed the city. It would have been a scene of chaos as people vied to get close to Him and get His attention. And yet, at the calls of these two men, He has stopped His exiting of the city and waited as the blind came to Him. Because of their appeal to have their sight restored, Jesus was moved with compassion.
Instead of basking in the accolades of a multitude of “fans”, Jesus was concerned about a few blind beggars. This was so much the case that “He touched the ‘eyes, theirs’.”
Instead of reaching out for a stalk of reed with ink on it to sign someone’s parchment, and instead of stopping for a “memory photo” with a group of mid-yeshiva students, Jesus took the time to reach out and touch the unusable eyes of the blind. The people around Him would have watched curiously as the scene unfolded. Sure enough, Matthew next records, “and immediately they up-looked, their ‘the eyes’.”
This is the third time the word anablepó, to up-look, has been seen. Thus far, each has been in connection with the healing of the blind. But this is not its only usage. At times, it is when a person stops and looks up for one reason or another. With the blind, however, the meaning is clear. They didn’t just look up with dead eyes. They did so with their sight restored. And because of this, Matthew notes, “and they followed Him.”
As Jesus is heading out of Jericho on His way to Jerusalem, it is likely that they followed for a while and then returned to their city, but it is also possible that one or both of them continued the long walk to Jerusalem. Bartimaeus is remembered by name in Mark, so that could be the reason why.
Life application: In the world, it is a rare thing for the rich or famous to pay attention to such people in need as the blind men at Jericho. Think of Hollywood actors. They step out of expensive limos and are conducted to whatever award ceremony they are attending with fanfare, photos, and idolizing eyes watching their every step.
Not only would they not think of stopping to talk to a blind man begging for money, but there would also be no blind people in sight. Such dregs of society would have been moved away from the area to ensure these more “important” people would not be bothered by people like that.
The same is true with politicians. The people they have been called to serve are ignored at the expense of wealthy builders, entrepreneurs, and famous people. The only time they get anywhere near the lowly masses is when they are stomping for their next reelection.
Jesus, however, despite all of the masses hemming Him in, repeatedly stopped to tend to the lowliest of society. He has set the example, and innumerable souls have followed in His footsteps, tending to the masses of humanity throughout the world, helping them when even their own leaders ignore or abuse them.
The Bible never tells people that they shouldn’t be rich or famous. But it does provide warnings for those who have many possessions that such things are not the priority in life that God is evaluating. Rather, He is concerned about our hearts, motivations, and interactions with Him and with those around us. Are we willing to emulate Jesus in how we honor God and treat our neighbor?
This is what is ultimately of eternal importance. Someday, we will be separated from our possessions, bank accounts, and even the bodies we so carefully maintain. All such things are temporary and fleeting. Be sure to keep your priorities straight, holding to biblical values as you interact with this world.
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Lord God, help us to keep our priorities in line with Your word. May we not squander our lives in pursuit of that which perishes when there are heaven’s riches awaiting us that will be eternal in nature. May our “right now” be dedicated to that wonderful goal, all our days. Amen.