Healing the blind near Jericho

Healing the blind near Jericho refers to one of the miracles of Jesus in the New Testament, where Jesus heals one or two blind men as he approaches or leaves the city of Jericho. The accounts of this miracle are found in three of the Gospels: the Gospel of Matthew (20:29–34), the Gospel of Mark (10:46–52), and the Gospel of Luke (18:35–43). The narratives differ slightly between the gospels, with Matthew mentioning two blind men, while Mark and Luke mention only one, named Bartimaeus in Mark's account.

Biblical Accounts

Gospel of Matthew

In the Gospel of Matthew, as Jesus and his disciples, along with a large crowd, are leaving Jericho, two blind men sitting by the roadside hear that Jesus is passing by and begin to shout, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" The crowd rebukes them, telling them to be silent, but they shout even louder. Jesus stops, calls them over, and asks what they want him to do for them. They respond that they want their sight. Moved by compassion, Jesus touches their eyes, and immediately they regain their sight and follow him.

Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark's account tells of a single blind man, Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, sitting by the roadside as Jesus is leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd. When Bartimaeus hears that it is Jesus of Nazareth, he begins to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Despite many telling him to be quiet, he shouts even more. Jesus stops and says, "Call him." The crowd then tells Bartimaeus to cheer up and get up because Jesus is calling him. Throwing his cloak aside, he jumps up and comes to Jesus. Jesus asks him what he wants, and Bartimaeus replies, "Rabbi, I want to see." Jesus tells him, "Go, your faith has healed you," and immediately he receives his sight and follows Jesus along the road.

Gospel of Luke

In the Gospel of Luke, as Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind man is sitting by the roadside begging. Hearing a crowd passing by, he inquires what is happening and is told that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. He then shouts, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Those leading the crowd rebuke him and tell him to be silent, but he shouts all the more. Jesus stops and orders the man to be brought to him. When he comes near, Jesus asks him what he wants, and the man says, "Lord, I want to see." Jesus tells him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." Immediately he regains his sight and follows Jesus, praising God, and all the people who see it also praise God.

Interpretation and Theology

The healing of the blind near Jericho is significant in Christianity for several reasons. It demonstrates Jesus' compassion and his power to perform miracles, affirming his divinity. The title "Son of David" used by the blind men is a messianic title, acknowledging Jesus as the promised Messiah. The miracle also symbolizes spiritual awakening, as gaining physical sight parallels receiving spiritual insight and recognizing Jesus as the Savior.

In Christian Art

This miracle has been a popular subject in Christian art, depicting Jesus' compassion and the transformation of the blind men. Artists have used this theme to explore themes of faith, healing, and spiritual enlightenment.