Why did the crowd "rebuke them" and how does this reflect human nature? The Snapshot: Matthew 20:30-31 “Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’ The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’” Why the Crowd Tried to Silence Them • Protecting their own agenda – Jericho was packed with Passover pilgrims; everyone wanted a moment with Jesus. The blind men’s cries threatened to disrupt the procession and slow the journey. • Social prejudice – Physical disability was often linked with sin or divine displeasure (John 9:1-2). Many assumed the blind men were unworthy of the Rabbi’s attention. • Desire for decorum – Shouting beggars felt undignified. The crowd wanted a calm, orderly encounter, not a noisy interruption. • False assumptions about Jesus – They believed He would rather deal with “important” matters. Ironically, they tried to shield the Compassionate One from the very people He came to help (Luke 19:10). What This Reveals About Human Nature • We judge by appearances – “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). We still size people up quickly, deciding who is worth our time. • We guard our turf – Like the disciples who “rebuked those who brought the little children” (Mark 10:13), we instinctively protect access, influence, or a comfortable routine. • We underestimate grace – James 2:1-4 warns against favoritism; yet we still act as if God’s mercy is a scarce commodity. • We prefer quiet control over messy faith – Raw, desperate cries rattle us. We often value order more than compassion (cf. Luke 13:14-17). Take-Home Reflections • Jesus stops for the overlooked. The crowd’s rebuke could not drown out faith that persists. • Every attempt to silence desperate seekers ultimately amplifies the glory of Christ’s mercy. • When we feel the itch to hush or sideline others, the mirror of Scripture invites repentance, humility, and a fresh look at the Savior who always has time to heal. |
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