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As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”
Verse 27. Son of David, have mercy on us. The blind men style our Saviour Son of David, to shew the great respect they had for him. Thus the prophets also did, when they addressed those kings to whom they wished to testify particular respect and esteem. S. Chrysos. hom. xxxiii.
When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They told him, “Yes, Lord.”
Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.”
Then their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.”
Verse 30. And Jesus strictly charged them. Although our Saviour strictly charged them to keep the miracle silent, they nevertheless published it throughout all that country; not being able to contain themselves, they became the evangelists and publishers of what they were commanded to conceal. Thus we are admonished not only to keep silent ourselves whatever is to our own commendation, but likewise to endeavour to hinder others from publishing it; to act otherwise would be to render ourselves odious to men, and abominable in the sight of God. But if we are silent, we shall obtain greater glory in the sight both of God and men. On the other hand, whatever redounds to the glory of the Almighty, we must ourselves publish, and exhort others to make it known to the whole world. Therefore it is said, Go and relate the glory of God. S. Chrysos. hom. xxxiii.
But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.
Verse 31. Spread his fame abroad. Unable to confine their gratitude within the narrow limits of humility prescribed them by Jesus Christ. A.
As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him.
Verse 32. A dumb man. The Greek rather signifies a deaf man: but these defects generally go together, because he that is deaf cannot learn to speak. Witham.
When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”
But the Pharisees said, “By the prince of the demons, he casts out demons.”
Verse 34. By the prince of the devils. What more foolish ever entered the mind of man. Is it possible, as he afterwards says, that devils should be expelled by devils? They assist and strengthen, not weaken and destroy one another. Moreover, he did not only cast out devils, but he cleansed the lepers, raised the dead, appeased the storm, forgave sins by his own power, preached the eternal felicity of heaven, and brought back man to God: all which the devil never could, never would bestow upon mankind. S. Chrysos. hom. xxxiii.
Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.