What can we learn from the crowd's reaction in Matthew 20:29? Setting the Scene: Jericho and the Journey to Jerusalem “As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him.” (Matthew 20:29) • Jericho sits roughly fifteen miles from Jerusalem; the road is busy with Passover pilgrims. • Jesus is on His final ascent to the cross—every step deliberate, every encounter meaningful. • The “large crowd” is real, tangible, and historically rooted, underscoring the eyewitness nature of Matthew’s record. The Crowd’s Immediate Response • They “followed Him.” The verb describes active, intentional movement after Jesus, not passive curiosity (cf. Matthew 4:19–20). • Their following affirms His growing reputation as the promised Messiah (Isaiah 35:5–6; Matthew 11:4–5). • They witness firsthand signs that confirm prophecy—soon the healing of two blind men (Matthew 20:30–34). What We Learn from Their Reaction 1. Hunger for Hope – Large numbers flock because they sense in Jesus the fulfillment of long-awaited promise (Jeremiah 29:11). – The crowd shows that the human heart naturally gravitates toward genuine hope. 2. Readiness to Respond – Without delay they move with Him, mirroring the immediacy seen in the first disciples (Matthew 4:22). – Obedience often starts with a simple step: walk behind Christ. 3. Witness Creates Momentum – Each miracle or teaching multiplies testimony (John 6:2). Word-of-mouth fuels a following. – Our personal witness today can still draw multitudes to the Savior (Acts 1:8). 4. Proximity Precedes Insight – Those who walk with Jesus are positioned to see His power up close. – The crowd will soon observe compassion in action as He stops for the blind men—experience strengthens faith (Psalm 34:8). 5. Neutrality Is Unsustainable – Some in this same crowd will later try to silence the beggars (Matthew 20:31), revealing mixed motives. – Following Jesus outwardly without inward surrender leads either to deeper commitment or eventual opposition (John 6:66). Personal Application Today • Choose active following over distant admiration—step onto the road behind Christ. • Cultivate expectancy; anticipate that proximity to Jesus brings revelation. • Share what you witness; your testimony may be the spark that gathers another “large crowd.” • Guard your motives; let compassion, not convenience, guide your response to those crying out for mercy. |
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