*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 20:29-34.
A certain blind man - Bartimeus. See this transaction explained at large, on Matthew 20:29-34 (note), and Mark 10:46 (note), etc.
(11) And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
(11) Christ shows by a visible miracle that he is the light of the world.
And it came to pass that as he was come nigh unto Jericho,.... Which lay in his way to Jerusalem;
a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: this was not blind Bartimaeus, nor his companion, for they were cured by Christ as he went out of Jericho; but this man before he came to it; for we afterwards read of his entrance into, and passing through Jericho, Luke 19:1 though much the same things are related in this account, as in that of the other two blind men; See Gill on Matthew 20:30.
This poor blind man sat by the wayside, begging. He was not only blind, but poor, the fitter emblem of the world of mankind which Christ came to heal and save. The prayer of faith, guided by Christ's encouraging promises, and grounded on them, shall not be in vain. The grace of Christ ought to be thankfully acknowledged, to the glory of God. It is for the glory of God if we follow Jesus, as those will do whose eyes are opened. We must praise God for his mercies to others, as well as for mercies to ourselves. Would we rightly understand these things, we must come to Christ, like the blind man, earnestly beseeching him to open our eyes, and to show us clearly the excellence of his precepts, and the value of his salvation.
As he drew nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Matthew 20:29-34. Compare Mark 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. "If there were two there certainly was one." Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was BartimÃ&brvbr;us. For a description of Jericho see note on Matthew 20:29.
*More commentary available at chapter level.