The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”
Christ's own followers tried to silence these men, surprising and troubling. The greater part who bear His name hinder approach to Him rather than invite it. Satan works through pious persons as easily as through traitors; he will not stop throwing obstacles. Therefore we must press forward with redoubled earnestness in prayer, the more fiercely obstacles mount against us.
AI summary
He stood still, that single act shows the strength of their faith and the power of prayer, and Christ's great regard for both. When He asked what they wanted, He knew already; His question was meant to display His power and willingness, to manifest their faith before all, and to prepare the people for the miracle about to be wrought.
AI summary
The crowd rebuked them harshly, but they cried louder still. When Jesus called them over, Bartimaeus cast away his outer garment without hesitation, not because he had nothing else to wear, but to show haste and earnestness. That garment dropped was the mark of a man who meant to reach Jesus.
AI summary