Matthew 20:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 20:29
29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
Chapter Context
Matthew 20 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, judgment, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 20:29
29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
Analysis
And as they departed from Jericho (ἐκπορευομένων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ Ἰεριχώ)—The genitive absolute construction marks a geographical and theological transition. Jericho, Israel's gateway city 17 miles from Jerusalem, symbolizes the beginning of the final ascent to Calvary. A great multitude followed him (ὄχλος πολὺς)—The ochlos polys (large crowd) consisted of Passover pilgrims; Josephus estimates 2-3 million Jews crowded Jerusalem during the feast. Most followed for spectacle and hoped-for political revolution, not understanding Jesus's true mission.
Jericho carries rich Old Testament typology: Joshua conquered it as Israel's first victory in the Promised Land (Joshua 6); Elisha healed its waters (2 Kings 2:19-22); now Jesus passes through on the way to His ultimate conquest of sin and death. The road from Jericho to Jerusalem, ascending 3,500 feet over 17 miles through wilderness, was notorious for bandits (Luke 10:30).
Historical Context
First-century Jericho was Herod the Great's winter palace city, rebuilt magnificently with palaces, fortresses, and aqueducts. The city had dual settlements: Old Testament Jericho (Tel es-Sultan) and Herodian Jericho. Jesus likely passed through both, explaining the apparent discrepancy between Matthew/Mark (leaving Jericho) and Luke 18:35 (entering Jericho). The road to Jerusalem was the primary Passover pilgrimage route for Galilean Jews avoiding Samaritan territory.
Reflection
- How does the geographical 'going up' from Jericho to Jerusalem mirror the spiritual journey Jesus calls His disciples to make?
- What does the large crowd's mixed motives reveal about the danger of following Jesus for the wrong reasons?
- How do the Old Testament echoes of Jericho (conquest, healing) foreshadow Jesus's work in Jerusalem?