In the book of Matthew this story plays out. These two men were blind beggars who decided to follow Jesus one day. They were determined to get His attention, asking Him to have mercy and heal them. At first glance this story seems straightforward. It’s not until you begin to unpack the original meaning that you begin to really get the picture of these men and the attitude in which they came to Jesus.

The word followed is a Greek word akaloutheo, which means to follow after someone or something in a very determined and powerful manner. These men were not going to give up even if it looked hopeless. They would not be ignored! The way that they followed was key to their breakthrough. It took everything they possessed.

We also learn these men didn’t just go quietly. Even in this verse it says that these men were crying out and yelling for Jesus to help them. The word “crying” is another Greek word kradzo, and it means to scream, yell, exclaim, or cry out at the top of one’s voice.* I think we may be getting the picture here. These men were not going to give up. Spoiler alert: Jesus looks at them and says, “according to your faith, you have been healed.” It was almost as if Jesus was saying, “Your faith was so persistent it could not be ignored!”

* Renner, Rick. Sparkling Gems (Page 587) Published 2003. Print.