What does Matthew 20:31 teach about persistence in seeking Jesus? The Setting Outside Jericho Crowds surround Jesus as He heads toward Jerusalem. Two blind men sitting by the road hear that the Healer is passing and begin to shout for mercy. Scripture Spotlight – Matthew 20:31 “The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’” What Persistence Looks Like in This Verse • The men refuse to let social pressure muffle their cry. • They grow louder when resistance grows stronger. • Their plea stays focused: “Lord, Son of David, have mercy.” • Their words confess both Jesus’ authority (Lord) and His messianic identity (Son of David). Key Lessons on Seeking Jesus Persistently • Opposition is expected, not exceptional. The crowd may discourage, yet faith answers with a louder plea. • Need drives persistence. Physical blindness mirrors spiritual desperation—both push us past dignity or decorum. • Right theology fuels perseverance; knowing who Jesus is (“Son of David”) emboldens repeated requests. • Volume here reflects intensity of faith, not mere noise. God values heartfelt, insistent petition (see Luke 11:8). • Persistence moves Christ to stop, call, and restore (Matthew 20:32-34). Why Persistence Matters • It demonstrates genuine faith (Luke 18:1-8). • It keeps our focus on Christ instead of circumstances (Hebrews 12:2). • It opens the door for mercy that might otherwise be missed (James 4:2, end). • It aligns our hearts with God’s timing, shaping character while we wait (Romans 5:3-4). Practicing This Persistence Today – Pray repeatedly and specifically until God answers or redirects. – Refuse to let culture, peers, or self-doubt silence biblical requests. – Anchor every plea to promises in Scripture (John 14:13-14). – Persist with expectation, then follow obediently when the answer comes—just as the healed men “followed Him” (Matthew 20:34). Supporting Scriptures • Luke 11:9 — “Keep asking… keep seeking… keep knocking.” • Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…” • Romans 12:12 — “Be persistent in prayer.” • Luke 18:1 — “They ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Matthew 20:31 shows that persistence is not optional noise; it is faith refusing to be silenced until it touches Jesus and receives merciful intervention. |
    |