Matthew 20:29-34

As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed them. Two blind men were sitting by the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” The crowd scolded them to get them to be quiet. But they shouted even more loudly, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” Jesus stopped, called them, and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

My first thought when reading this passage was - Why did the men have to shout twice? Is it because the crowd was working to silence them the first time, or is Jesus trying to say something about seeking God? Is it even possible that Jesus didn’t hear them the first time, perhaps because of the noise level of the crowd? Jesus was given unparalleled insight into the hearts of men, so I submit that Jesus was aware of these two men from the outset. Perhaps He wanted to reveal the madness of the crowd, or place perseverance on display as part of everyday life. Sometimes we are convinced we believe something until the time comes when that belief is tested. These men had the eyes of their heart fixed upon Christ, and they were unwavering in their desperate pursuit of the One they knew could make them see. These men follow Jesus.