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Listen "#165 | In the Footsteps of David: "Seeing" the True Son of David"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode, we explore the comparisons and contrasts between two stories in Matthew’s Gospel where blind men call out to Jesus as the "Son of David" and receive sight. Found in Matthew 9:27-31 and Matthew 20:29-34, these stories frame key elements of discipleship and reveal different ways of how we come to recognize Jesus for who he really is.
The two accounts show contrasting settings, characters, and responses. The first story unfolds in an unspecified location, where two blind men actively pursue Jesus with help from the crowd. In contrast, the second takes place outside of Jericho, where two blind men sit passively by the road, calling out despite the crowd’s opposition. Jesus’ questions to them differ as well: he asks the first pair if they believe he can heal, while he asks the second pair what they desire from him. After their healing, the first pair proclaims the miracle to everyone they meet, while the second set of men follows Jesus toward Jerusalem, where he will ultimately face his death and resurrection.
These two healing stories are located at corresponding points in Matthew’s literary structure, known as a chiastic composition, with the parables of the kingdom of God in Matthew 13 functioning as the centerpoint of the chiasm. There, Jesus laments that people have closed their eyes and ears to the kingdom's message, and therefore resist the healing he offers. In this framework, the two stories of the blind men serve as counterpoints, illustrating different forms of discipleship. The second story, in particular, represents a model of discipleship that not only seeks healing but willingly follows Jesus on the difficult path to Jerusalem, demonstrating a “vision” of true discipleship.
We then discuss how this story’s setting outside of Jericho—a city famous for the military victory of another Yeshua (Joshua)—underscores the contrast between Jesus’ mission and Joshua’s conquest. Jesus, the Son of David, has not come to overthrow the Roman occupiers but to heal the spiritual blindness of the people, symbolized by his refusal to silence those crying out for mercy.
We close with a reflection on how we, too, might have “blind spots” in our understanding of Jesus’ titles and mission. Just as “Savior” might mean both an immediate healer and a guide on a treatment journey, Jesus' role as the Son of David holds depths that challenge our expectations. As disciples, our journey is one of continually coming to “see” who Jesus really is and what it means to follow him.
Key Passages:
Matthew 9:27-31
Matthew 20:29-34
Joshua 6 - Joshua/Yeshua conquers Jericho
Key Resources:
Short explanation of chiasm
Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.org
Leave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music
The two accounts show contrasting settings, characters, and responses. The first story unfolds in an unspecified location, where two blind men actively pursue Jesus with help from the crowd. In contrast, the second takes place outside of Jericho, where two blind men sit passively by the road, calling out despite the crowd’s opposition. Jesus’ questions to them differ as well: he asks the first pair if they believe he can heal, while he asks the second pair what they desire from him. After their healing, the first pair proclaims the miracle to everyone they meet, while the second set of men follows Jesus toward Jerusalem, where he will ultimately face his death and resurrection.
These two healing stories are located at corresponding points in Matthew’s literary structure, known as a chiastic composition, with the parables of the kingdom of God in Matthew 13 functioning as the centerpoint of the chiasm. There, Jesus laments that people have closed their eyes and ears to the kingdom's message, and therefore resist the healing he offers. In this framework, the two stories of the blind men serve as counterpoints, illustrating different forms of discipleship. The second story, in particular, represents a model of discipleship that not only seeks healing but willingly follows Jesus on the difficult path to Jerusalem, demonstrating a “vision” of true discipleship.
We then discuss how this story’s setting outside of Jericho—a city famous for the military victory of another Yeshua (Joshua)—underscores the contrast between Jesus’ mission and Joshua’s conquest. Jesus, the Son of David, has not come to overthrow the Roman occupiers but to heal the spiritual blindness of the people, symbolized by his refusal to silence those crying out for mercy.
We close with a reflection on how we, too, might have “blind spots” in our understanding of Jesus’ titles and mission. Just as “Savior” might mean both an immediate healer and a guide on a treatment journey, Jesus' role as the Son of David holds depths that challenge our expectations. As disciples, our journey is one of continually coming to “see” who Jesus really is and what it means to follow him.
Key Passages:
Matthew 9:27-31
Matthew 20:29-34
Joshua 6 - Joshua/Yeshua conquers Jericho
Key Resources:
Short explanation of chiasm
Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.org
Leave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music
In God we trust