What is the significance of Jesus leaving Jericho in Matthew 20:29? Geographical And Historical Context Of Jericho Jericho sits in the lower Jordan rift, about 825 feet (250 m) below sea level, fifteen miles northeast of Jerusalem. Scripture speaks of two Jerichos in close proximity: the tell of ancient Jericho (Joshua’s conquest) and the Hellenistic-Roman “New Jericho” built by the Hasmoneans and expanded by Herod the Great. Jesus traveled through the newer, thriving oasis city, then out past the ancient mound as He “was leaving Jericho” (Matthew 20:29). This route lay on the main pilgrim road ascending to the Passover in Jerusalem. Jericho In Biblical Theology Jericho embodies both judgment and grace. It was the first Canaanite stronghold to fall (Joshua 6) and thereafter lay under a curse (Joshua 6:26). Yet it later became a place of prophetic ministry (2 Kings 2:4–22) and, in Jesus’ day, a city where outcasts found mercy (Luke 19:1–10). By departing Jericho, Jesus symbolically leaves the city of past judgment to inaugurate salvation in Jerusalem, the city of peace. Text Of Matthew 20:29 And Immediate Context “As Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him.” Matthew places this verse immediately after Jesus’ third passion prediction (20:17-19) and a discourse on servant leadership (20:20-28). The exit from Jericho thus introduces: • The final miracle narrative before the triumphal entry (healing two blind men, vv. 30-34). • The climactic ascent to Jerusalem where redemption will be accomplished. Harmonization With Mark 10:46 And Luke 18:35 Mark records the healing of blind Bartimaeus “as He was leaving Jericho,” while Luke speaks of “approaching Jericho.” Archaeology clarifies the seeming tension: travelers left the old mound (Luke’s perspective) and entered Herodian Jericho, then departed the newer city (Matthew & Mark). Early manuscripts (ℵ B D L Θ 33) support Matthew’s “leaving,” confirming the precision of each writer’s vantage point. Prophetic Significance Of Departing A Cursed City Joshua’s curse declared, “At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation” (Joshua 6:26). Christ, the Firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15), passes out from Jericho on the way to offer Himself as the substitutionary curse-bearer (Galatians 3:13). The movement out of Jericho foreshadows His bearing of humanity’s curse outside the gate of Jerusalem (Hebrews 13:12). Liturgical And Geographic Transition To Passion Week Pilgrims ascended 3,300 feet (1,000 m) from Jericho to Jerusalem for Passover, chanting Psalm 120–134 (the Songs of Ascents). Jesus leads the crowds on this ancient liturgical procession, embodying Psalm 118:27: “Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.” Leaving Jericho marks the final stage toward His sacrificial destiny. Messianic Authority Confirmed Through Miraculous Healing The healing of the blind men immediately after leaving Jericho fulfills Isaiah 35:5, “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened.” This sign certifies His identity as the promised Messiah just before He permits public acclamation in the triumphal entry (Matthew 21:9). The miracle also reverses the darkness associated with Jericho’s curse, illustrating redemption’s restorative reach. Discipleship Pattern: “On The Way” Mark’s parallel emphasizes that Bartimaeus “followed Jesus on the way” (Mark 10:52). Leaving Jericho thus becomes a call for all healed by grace to join the costly upward journey of discipleship. The large crowd in Matthew 20:29 models corporate pilgrimage, while the healed men exemplify personal commitment. Archaeological Corroboration Excavations at Tell es-Sultan (ancient Jericho) by John Garstang (1930s) and re-analysis by Bryant Wood (1990) reveal a city violently destroyed in the Late Bronze Age c. 1400 BC, matching Joshua 6 and a young-earth chronology. Fallen mudbrick walls forming a ramp corroborate Rahab’s escape narrative. The coexistence of both tells in Jesus’ day—verified by pottery strata and Herodian architecture a mile south—explains the gospel accounts and affirms historical reliability. Contemporary Application Believers today stand metaphorically at Jericho’s gate: confronted with past judgment yet beckoned toward the upward path with Christ. The significance of Jesus leaving Jericho calls the church to: • Acknowledge Scripture’s historical trustworthiness. • Embrace Christ as curse-bearer and sight-giver. • Join the pilgrimage of discipleship, glorifying God by proclaiming the risen Lord who turned a city of curse into a waypoint of grace. |
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