Crying Out Until Mercy Comes (Matthew 20:29–34)

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 20:29–34

20:30 “Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, ‘Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!’”

20:34 “Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they followed him.”

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In Matthew 20:29–34, two blind men sit beside the road as Jesus passes by. They cannot see Him, but they can hear the movement of the crowd. When they learn that it is Jesus, they cry out for mercy. The crowd tries to silence them, yet they shout even louder. Their persistence meets compassion. Jesus stops. He listens. He touches their eyes, and they receive their sight. This story reminds us that faith often begins with a cry—and that Jesus hears every sincere call for mercy.

The two men in this passage lived in darkness. Blindness in that time meant dependence, vulnerability, and often poverty. Sitting by the roadside, they likely depended on others for daily survival.

When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they did not stay silent. They cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!” That title—Son of David—recognized Him as the promised Messiah. Even without sight, they saw something spiritually.

The crowd rebuked them. Perhaps they thought the men were a disturbance. Perhaps they believed Jesus was too important to stop. But the men refused to be quiet. Their need was too great. Their hope was too strong.

Sometimes faith requires persistence. Sometimes it means crying out again when voices around us tell us to stop.

Jesus’ response is beautiful. He stopped. In the middle of a journey, in the presence of a large crowd, He paused for two men sitting on the roadside. Scripture says He was “moved with compassion.” His power flows from His heart.

He touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight. But notice the final detail—they followed Him. The miracle was not only about seeing; it was about discipleship.

When Jesus opens our eyes—whether physically, spiritually, or emotionally—the natural response is to follow Him.

The image of Jesus placing His hands gently on their heads reminds us that no cry for mercy goes unnoticed. He is not rushed. He is not distracted. He is compassionate.

Even when others overlook us, Christ sees. Even when others silence us, He listens.

Keep calling. Mercy hears.

Why do you think the blind men continued to shout even when rebuked?

What does this story teach you about persistence in prayer?

How does Jesus’ compassion stand out in this passage?

In what area of your life do you need to cry out for mercy?

What might it look like to follow Jesus more closely after He answers?

Lord Jesus, thank You that You stop and listen when we cry out to You. Forgive us when we hesitate to bring our needs before You. Give us persistence in prayer and confidence in Your compassion. Open our eyes to see You clearly and to recognize Your work in our lives. When You restore and guide us, help us respond by following You faithfully. May our faith grow stronger with every step. In Your name we pray, amen.

Spend time this week bringing one specific need to Jesus in prayer, continuing to trust Him even if the answer does not come immediately.

Today's Free Printable

Matthew 20:29–34 – Jesus Heals Two Blind Men Devotional Drawing

Matthew 20:29–34 – Jesus Heals Two Blind Men Devotional Drawing

How to use this printable

How to Use This Printable as Part of a Devotional

This page is designed to fit naturally into personal, family, or group devotional time.
Rather than simply reading the passage, this approach invites you to slow down and engage
with Scripture visually and reflectively.

1. Begin With Stillness

Before reading, take a quiet moment. You may wish to sit in silence for 30–60 seconds,
pray briefly for understanding, or ask God to help you notice something meaningful.
Devotional drawing works best when unhurried.

2. Read the Scripture Slowly

Read the passage listed at the top of the page. If possible, read it once silently, then
read it again aloud. Pause between readings.

  • Notice words or phrases that stand out
  • Pay attention to emotions in the scene
  • Watch for actions, reactions, or surprises

3. Observe the Starter Image

Look carefully at the simple illustration on the page. It captures only part of the moment.
Consider what might be happening just outside the frame and what details the passage includes
that are not shown.

4. Draw as Reflection

Begin drawing the rest of the scene. As you draw, let it become part of your meditation on the
Scripture. There is no correct interpretation—the act of drawing helps you linger with the text.

  • Draw the environment or setting
  • Add other people in the story
  • Show movement or stillness
  • Use light, distance, or atmosphere to express meaning

5. Pause and Reflect

When you finish drawing, take another moment to reflect. You may find it helpful to ask:

  • What did I notice that I might have missed otherwise?
  • How does this scene reveal God’s character?
  • What does this moment teach about trust, obedience, fear, or faith?
  • How might this apply to my life today?

You can journal, pray, discuss, or sit quietly.

6. Close With Prayer

End your devotional by responding in prayer. You might thank God for what you noticed, ask for
strength related to the passage, or reflect on how the scene connects to your current season.

Using This in Different Devotional Settings

Personal Quiet Time

Use one page alongside your daily Scripture reading and return to it later in the day.

Family Devotions

Read together, draw separately, then share what each person noticed (no correcting—everyone sees it differently).

Small Groups or Church

Allow quiet drawing time, then invite voluntary sharing and discussion.

A Gentle Reminder

This is not about artistic skill. It is about slowing down, paying attention, and creating space
for Scripture to settle more deeply. Even simple drawings can lead to meaningful insight.

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Color This Printable Online

Launch the interactive coloring studio to draw, erase, undo, and export your artwork as PNG.

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