What Jesus Did! 'Have Mercy on Us!' — Matthew 20:29-31

Saturday, September 27, 2025

As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

"Be quiet!" the crowd yelled at them.

But they only shouted louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

— Matthew 20:29-31 NLT

Key Thought

Messianic expectations are on the rise as Jesus is moving toward Jerusalem. Jericho, a mere 15 miles or so away, is caught up in the crowds who want to witness his Kingdom dawn in Jerusalem. Jesus, on the other hand, has been teaching that his Kingdom is about servants who offer ministry and about those being counted last by men being counted first by God.

Here we see the point powerfully illustrated. Those who are helpless and very needy know more about Jesus' true identity and ministry than those who are well educated, powerful, and religious. He is God's promised Son of David. He comes as King, not to be pampered but to show compassion. Their cry must be our own: "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

Today's Prayer

Holy Father, thank you for your grace in Jesus. Thank you for standing the conventional wisdom on its head and showing that true power and authority can be seen more in the cross-bound Jesus who shares grace than they can be seen in the crushing and ruthless victory of a brutal warrior. Please help me as I seek to serve in your Kingdom and to remember the truest example of leadership is Jesus and the greatest work of leadership is redemptive compassion. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 9:27-30
  • Matthew 5:7
  • Colossians 3:12-17

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 20:29-31 NLT — "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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