Healing of the Jericho Blind.

(Mat. 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43).

In those days, Jericho was a large Jewish city, situated some 12 miles northeast of Jerusalem and 4 miles to the west from Jordan, and according to historical records, was an important city. Nearby was where the Jews crossed the river Jordan in their exodus from Egypt (Joshua 3:16). This was the first city to be miraculously taken by the Jews (Joshua 6:20). Later, it was to have a school for prophets (Kings 2:5), and it was here where the Prophet Elisha performed the miracle of sweetening bitter waters (2 Kings 2:21). Its outskirts were outstanding in its lush flora and excellent climate. However, further on the way to Jerusalem, lay a grim and rocky wilderness, populated by wild beasts and brigands. When the Lord was leaving Jericho, taking the trail usually used by the Jews from Galilee through Perea (past Jordan), “a great multitude followed Him,” who like Him were going to Jerusalem for the feast of Pascha. Sitting by the road and begging for alms, the blind beggars began to cry out: “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” These cries attested to their living faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. The people were forcing them to be silent so as not to disturb Jesus, Who apparently at the time was giving instructions to them. The Lord enquired of them as to what they wanted from Him. Having received the answer “Lord, that our eyes may be opened,” the Lord touched their eyes and cured them of their blindness, after which they followed Him.

While all three Synoptists recount this event, only Saint Matthew speaks of two blind men; Saints Mark and Luke speak only of one. As well, Saint Mark narrates on this miracle with great detail, even pointing out the name of one of them — Bartimaeus, which means “son of Timaeus.” It has to be assumed that one of the blind was well known to everybody, while the other was an unknown and was overlooked by many. That’s why the other two Synoptists didn’t mention him. There is another difference in the narrations: according to the first two Synoptists, the Lord healed them when He was leaving Jericho, while according to Saint Luke, when He was approaching Jericho. Bishop Michael explains that Saint Luke’s use of the Greek word “angisin,” in fact doesn’t mean entering, but to be near something; consequently, it would have been more correct to state that the miracle was performed by the Lord when He was near Jericho — whether it was performed when entering or leaving — is immaterial.