Matthew 20:34

34. Touched their eyes To show that the miracle was no coincidence or accident, but the immediate effect of divine power. His finger was the visible conductor of invisible omnipotence. Mark says that our Lord uttered the words “Go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole.” Some miracles early in his ministry, our Lord performed before their faith, in order to create faith; other miracles he performed subsequent to their faith, to reward and thus increase faith. And they followed him He had bidden them “Go thy way;” but with an affectionate disobedience they followed their benefactor. Perhaps they concluded that their “way” was to follow his footsteps.

We may suppose, that as our Saviour crossed the Jordan, and came across the desert tract between the Jordan and Jericho, he walks at the head of his train of twelve disciples. As he departs from Jericho, his fame and the idea that he is on his way to Jerusalem attract the multitude to follow him. Matthew 20:1. From Jericho he mounts the ascending hills of bleak limestone rocks, celebrated at that time as a route of danger from robber hordes, and characterized from that time to this as a scene of desert dreariness. It was the scene of the parable of the good Samaritan. By the same route that the men went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, did our Lord go up from Jericho to Jerusalem. Some miles he walks, when Bethany appears in a distant view, a little wide-spread village, perched upon a shelf of the eastern side of the Mount of Olives, about two miles from Jerusalem. He arrived at Bethany, according to John 12:1, six days before his last passover; the six days of what has been called in the Church, with true propriety, THE PASSION WEEK. Of the events of that week Matthew now proceeds to furnish a narration.

THE DAYS OF THE PASSION WEEK.

The events of the Passion Week are copiously detailed, and the successive days somewhat distinctly marked. Yet there is much difference of opinion among commentators in regard to the particular days of the part preceding the Lord’s supper of Thursday evening. The main proof text is John 12:1: Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany. And John 12:12, shows that the day after was the triumphal entry. But it is utterly uncertain how John reckons his “six days before the passover.” It may be exclusive or inclusive of the extremes; or it may include one and exclude the other. (See note on Matthew 17:1.) This being the case, I see no good ground for adopting any other than the scheme of the ancient Church, sanctioned by Olshausen, Tholuck and others. It supposes the triumphal entry to have been on Sunday, hence called Palm Sunday.

SCHEME OF DAYS.

SUNDAY, ( reckoned from Saturday sunset.) Triumphal entry, Matthew 21:1-11. Clearing of temple, Matthew 21:12-16. Return to Bethany at night, Matthew 21:17.

MONDAY. The barren fig tree withered, Matthew 21:18-19.

TUESDAY, ( from Monday sunset.) Disciples marvel at the withered fig tree, Matthew 21:20-22. Replies of Jesus to the demand for his authority, Matthew 23:1 to Matthew 22:14. Discussions and discourses in the temple, Matthew 15:1 to Matthew 23:39. Jesus prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem, and distinguishes it from the judgment day, Matthew 25:0. Assembling of conspirators, Matthew 26:1-5.

TUESDAY NIGHT. Supper in Bethany, Matthew 26:6-13.

WEDNESDAY, ( from preceding sunset.) Judas bargains with the Jews, Matthew 26:14-16.

THURSDAY, ( from preceding sunset.) Preparation and supper, Matthew 26:17-35.

Gethsemane, arrest, arraignment before Caiaphas, Matthew 26:36-68. MIDNIGHT, ( between Thursday and Friday.) Peter’s denial, Matthew 26:69-75.

FRIDAY MORNING. Arraignment of Jesus before Pilate, and suicide of Judas, Matthew 27:1-10. Barabbas released, and Jesus crucified by Pilate, Matthew 27:11-56. Entombment, Matthew 27:57-66.

SATURDAY. Repose in the tomb. SUNDAY MORNING. Resurrection.

MOUNT OF OLIVES KEDRON EASTERN MARGIN OF JERUSALEM, FROM THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE MODERN WALL