New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 20:29

The Last Will Be First

As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. Matthew 20:29 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 20:29, in plain English

As Jesus and the crowd leave Jericho, a large group is following Him.

Why it's here

Jesus is almost at Jerusalem. The cross is days away. But He's still present to the people around Him.

Who's speaking

The narrator sets the scene for one final miracle on the road.

Where it sits in the story

The journey is almost over. Jerusalem is ahead. But Jesus isn't rushing past anyone.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

As Jesus leaves Jericho, a large crowd follows Him, setting the scene for a healing miracle on the final leg of the journey to Jerusalem.

Language and setting

Jericho was the last major stop before the ascent to Jerusalem; this healing demonstrates Jesus' continued compassion even as the cross approaches.

Voice

The narrator provides a geographic and narrative transition toward Jerusalem.

Significance

Leaving Jericho with crowds in tow, Jesus is nearly at Jerusalem. Even now, He pauses for those in need.

In context

Matthew 20:27–31

27and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—

28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

29As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him.

30And there were two blind men sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

31The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

Read all of Matthew 20 — Workers hired at day's end receive the same wage as those who sweated since dawn. God's generosity offends our scorekeeping instincts.

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