Jesus is the Son of David: Opening Eyes and Loosening Tongues as a Foretaste of the Messiah’s Kingdom(Matthew 9:27-34)

Bartimaeus and Helen Keller

In the ancient world, those who were deaf, blind, or lame faced insurmountable challenges and isolation. Consider the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who shouted out to Jesus, longing for healing and restoration. His voice rose above the chaos around him, a desperate cry for the kingdom of God. Even in his affliction, Bartimaeus grasped the hope that came with Christ’s presence.

Helen Keller was both deaf and blind. Despite her disabilities, she fought passionately for others like her, expressing a deep desire for acceptance and understanding. She represented those who, though limited by their physical conditions, long for the kingdom of God.

What do these two people have in common?

They both long for the kingdom of God to come. They longed for wholeness, healing, and a world where the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame walk. They longed for the Son of David to come and make all things new.

Jesus is the Son of David who proves He’s the Messiah King by healing their diseases, giving us a foretaste of His kingdom to come.

Jesus is the Son of David, Messiah King (Matthew 9:27)

Matthew, more than any other gospel writer, refers to Jesus as the Son of David. In our text this morning, two blind men call out to him, “Have mercy on us, Son of David” (Matt 9:27). When Jesus healed a blind, mute man in chapter Matt 12, the people were astonished and asked each other, “Could this be the Son of David?” (Matt 12:23). In ch Matt 15, a Canaanite woman with a demon-possessed daughter cried out, “Son of David” (Matt 15:22). Another two blind men called out to Jesus as “Son of David” in Matt 20:30–31. And in chapter Matt 21 the crowds greeted Jesus at his triumphal entry into Jerusalem with “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matt 21:9). Evidently, in Matt 21:15, the chief priests and teachers of the law became alarmed when children began shouting these words. Why? What is so alarming about calling Jesus the Son of David?

The Son of David is a title for the Messiah. It is believed by the Jews that their Messiah would be a descendant of King David. God established an everlasting covenant with David, promising to maintain David’s kingdom through his descendants forever (2 Sam 7:10–16; cf. Ps 89:1–4, 19–37; 132:11–12). 

Prophets in the Old Testament, including Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, and Zechariah, predicted that a descendant of David would emerge. He would embody unparalleled righteousness, reconcile the people with their God, restore Israel, cleanse the land of wickedness, and draw the nations to Jerusalem to witness the glory of the Lord (Jer 23:5–8; 30:21–22; Ezek 37:21–23; Zech 3:8–10; 6:12–15; Hag 2:21–22).

Furthermore, this Messiah King would not merely be a nationalistic or political authoritarian who delivers Israel and oppresses his enemies. The Son of David would be characterized by mercy, compassion, justice and righteousness for all people.

Matthew begins his Gospel tracing the linage of Jesus to David. He does so through the line of Joseph. If you are a savvy Bible reader, you feel a little tension with Matthew doing this. Joseph is not Jesus’ biological father, and Matthew ensures his readers do not get the impression that Jesus is born from a human father by the way he describes the virgin birth. So, how can Jesus be a Son of David via Joseph if Jesus is not a blood son?

Jesus was adopted. As D.R. Bauer notes, “In Jewish circles a child became a man’s son not so much by physical procreation itself as by acknowledgment on the part of the man.” In antiquity, the father had the final say if the child would be affirmed as a legitimate son. When Joseph affirmed Jesus as his adopted son, in the eyes of the Jewish community, Jesus a true son of Joseph. Matthew does make clear, however, Jesus is Son of David by adoption, but Son of God by conception (Matt 2:15; 3:17).

The Jewish people during Jesus’ time were expecting the Son of David to bring wholeness to the oppressed and to initiate the restoration of the kingdom, restoring all things. The Son of David would be recognized for bringing salvation and deliverance through healing the sick, the lame, the blind, the mute, and the deaf. It is noteworthy in Matthew that the three individuals who call Jesus the Son of David seek mercy to either heal their blindness or cast out a demon (Matt 9:27; 15:22; 20:31). In all three instances, Jesus demonstrates he is the Son of David by healing their illnesses and freeing them from the bondage of Satan.

Why does it matter that Jesus is the Son of David?

It matters because it proves three truths your soul desperately needs to hold fast to the faith.

God is a promise-keeping God.

In Genesis three, hope awoke in Adam’s heart because God promised that from the mother of the living, her seed would be a source of life. This means that God would send someone who would reverse the curse of sin and restore both man and earth. God promised that her seed would come from the line of David and that he would be the Messiah King. Jesus is not just a son of David; he is the Son of David, the promised Son of David. God is a promise-keeping God. You can trust Him with your life and your eternity because He is a promise-keeping God.

God’s word is a true authority in your life, and you can trust it.

He gave you his promise through his word. His word is trustworthy because it is true. It serves as authority for you to live by in this life. Some of you are not living holy lives that please God because somewhere in your belief system, you doubt the authority of God’s word; that is, you do not fully trust it. God is showing you this morning that his word is an authority in your life because it is true. If it is true, you can trust it.

Jesus is a Good and Perfect King.

Finally, your soul needs to understand that Jesus is a good and perfect King. By showing that Jesus is the Son of David, Matthew reveals the kind of King under whom you will live for all eternity, and the kind of Savior into whose image you are being transformed. The Son of David is unlike any other king on earth. He is pure and holy; He exercises perfect wisdom and is merciful and compassionate. He is the kind of king who came not to be served but to serve, even giving His life as a ransom for others. What a beautiful and worthy King! Furthermore, you and I are being transformed into His image. God is sanctifying us to be more like Him.

The Son of David opens the eyes of the blind (Matthew 9:28-30; Isa 35:5)

It s not enough for people to call Jesus the Son of God. Matthew proves Jesus is the Son of God by his works. Matthew records,

Matthew 9:28–30 ESV

28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.”

Once again, faith is the catalyst for healing. The writer of Hebrews says,

Hebrews 11:1 ESV

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

What did these men truly believe about Jesus? What was their heartfelt hope? What deep conviction did they hold on to, even though they couldn't see it with their eyes? They firmly believed that Jesus was the one the prophet Isaiah spoke of in his writings. Isaiah 35 beautifully describes the moment when God’s people finally return home. It’s a wonderful new age where the kingdom of the world transforms into the Kingdom of God, with Christ reigning as King. Isaiah paints a vibrant picture of the final journey of the Lord’s redeemed people to Zion, highlighting their salvation and joyful homecoming. He rightly contrasts the eternal destinies of the saved and unsaved, wrapping it all up in a promise of transformation and renewal for those who are redeemed. Even the wilderness and parched land will rejoice, blooming with life and reflecting God's amazing glory. For anyone feeling weary, Isaiah offers encouragement with the assurance of God's imminent arrival, bringing salvation and healing. Miracles upon miracles will unfold: the lame will leap with joy, the deaf will hear, and the blind will see.

Isaiah says in Isaiah 35:5

Isaiah 35:5 ESV

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

When Jesus heals the blind men, he is affirming he is the Son of David, the one who is ushering in the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom Isaiah speaks of in Isaiah 35. Notice it is the physically blind who see this in Jesus.

It was not by their earthly eyes did they see Jesus. It was the eyes of their heart that saw him as the Son of David, the object of their faith.

Friend, you cannot merely see Jesus as a good Rabbi, a moral teacher, or an historical figure. You cannot affirm him as only an earthly teacher or even prophet. When Jesus says you must have eyes to see, he is referring to the eyes of faith. You must believe his is the Son of David, the long awaited Messiah, who came to bring us the kingdom of God. You must believe he is Lord. Paul says,

Romans 10:9 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

To be saved, you must cry out for mercy, as the blind men did, and believe he will give you his mercy. Romans 10:11-12

Romans 10:11–12 ESV

11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

But Jesus does not just heal the blind. He proves he is the Messiah King, the Son of David by also healing the deaf.

The Son of David loosens the tongue of the mute (Matthew 9:32-33;Isa 35:6)

Matthew 9:32–33 ESV

32 As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.”

Once again, Jesus is fulfilling what Isaiah prophesied years earlier about the Messiah King.

Isaiah 35:6 ESV

6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;

Jesus opens the ears and loosens the tongue the mute. In this case, he does so by exercising his kingdom authority over Satan’s kingdom of darkness. There is no power or authority greater than the Son of David. When he loosens the tongue of the mute, they will sing with joy.

Rejoicing is the right response to the Son of David. But so is obedience. Jesus strictly warns them to not tell anyone what has happened, and yet they do not obey his voice.

Matthew 9:31 ESV

31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

I cannot blame them. When you were blind from birth or your mouth was shut because you were in bondage to a demon, and then the Son of David has mercy on you, gives you a taste of the kingdom of God, and the first person you see and speak to is Jesus, the Son of God, I don’t think I could hold it in either.

So what do you think Matthew is saying here? Why include this in the text?

There are a few reasons. First, this is not the first time Jesus has told someone he’s healed to keep it is a secret. You may wonder why Jesus does not want it known at that time why he was healing the blind and the mute. The primary thought among theologians is called the Messianic secret. Jesus did not want to draw too much attention to himself with his miracles because he did not want the people to think he was a political or national messiah. If the people thought that, they would try to install him as king, and would be expected to deliver them from Rome. Jesus did not come to only deliver Israel. He came to be the Savior King to the world. He needed to conquer death and sin via the cross.

Secondly, it is a rebuke to the Pharisees. In our text, the blind and the deaf are see and hear Jesus as the Son of David, and yet the religious scholars and keepers of the Torah are blind to Jesus as the Messiah. Look at how they respond to him:

Matthew 9:34 ESV

34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

They blaspheme the Son of God! Those who are supposed to have eyes to see, cannot see!

During Jesus’ ministry, the Pharisees were confronted with miraculous signs and teachings but chose to remain blind to the truth. They saw His miracles yet accused Him of blasphemy. There is a subtle warning for us: religious knowledge without genuine faith can lead to spiritual blindness.

I’m reminded of a story from the early days of the church. A pastor noticed that a woman was attending services regularly but showing no sign of transformation. One day, she approached him, expressing her struggles with faith. He gently reminded her of the Pharisees, who adhered to religious practices yet missed the heart of God’s message; Jesus is his Messiah and the only means of salvation. By the grace of God, Jesus opened the eyes of her heart to see mere attendance to church without relationship with Christ was blinding her to the grace and power of Jesus. Friend, are the eyes of your heart blind? Are a religious person, but lack a relationship with Jesus? Or, do you see Jesus, the Son of David, the Messiah King, Son of God, and Savior of the World as your King? Can you hear his voice? Only his sheep his hear his voice and respond? The blind man went away seeing and rejoicing, as well as the mute man. That is because their faith in Christ made them well. They tasted and seen the Lord is good, and his kingdom is good. Have, you, friend?

His Kingdom to Come (Isaiah 35:8-10)

Isaiah 35 is a beautiful description of what the redeemed of the Lord have to look forward to when the Son of David returns to finish establishing his kingdom on earth.

In summary, Isaiah describes a transformation of the wilderness and desert into a joyful and flourishing land, reflecting the glory of God. He encourages the weak and anxious to be strong, as God will come to save them. When his kingdom comes, miracles will occur, such as the blind seeing and the lame walking. A holy highway will be established for the redeemed, who will return to Zion with everlasting joy, leaving all sorrow behind.

The chapter contrasts the eternal destinies of the saved and unsaved, culminating in a promise of transformation and renewal for the redeemed.

Isaiah 35 highlights the intimate relationship between God and His people, portraying Him as the kinsman-redeemer who bears their burdens. Ultimately, the journey, though fraught with struggles, leads to guaranteed joy and fulfillment in Zion. Isaiah’s words underscores the hope and assurance for the redeemed, affirming their identity and destiny.

I love Alec Motyer’s commentary on this text. He says,

“We are the enigmatic ‘them’ and ‘they’ (vv. 1, 2, 8), the anonymous ones around whom the poem moves, because we are the redeemed and ransomed (vv. 9–10) with whom it ends. The ‘ransomed’ (v. 10) are those for whom the price has been paid; the ‘redeemed’ (v. 9) are those with whom the Lord, the divine next-of-kin, has identified himself, saying to us: ‘What is your problem? Give it to me. What is your need? I will meet it. What is your burden? Lay it on my shoulders.’ That is the way with the Goel, the kinsman-redeemer. He bears it all, pays it all, does it all. He the doer, we the recipients. But now that we know who the ‘them’ and ‘they’ are, follow through what Isaiah says about them, about us. First, whatever our circumstances appear to be (the desert, the parched land, v. 1), we may confidently expect to be provided for. No other eye but ours, the eye of faith, will see the blossoming, but the blossom will be there. Secondly, we endure as seeing him who is invisible (Heb. 11:27). In every situation, in every place, the glory of the Lord is present—and, remember, his glory is not an abstract ‘something’, the Lord’s glory is the Lord in all his glory, with us, recognised by faith, all along the way. Thirdly, to the outward eye, the road may seem full of twists and turns, but it is a protected pathway from which no hazard can dislodge the pilgrim (v. 9). It is a ‘highway’ (v. 8), running in a straight line from conversion to glory. And, finally, the end is guaranteed: emphasize the verb, ‘the redeemed shall come’. Everything that made the journey a sad experience will take to its legs; every unalloyed delight that slipped like soap out of the pilgrim’s grasp will be finally possessed. Zion admits no disappointment.”

No eye has seen no ear has heard of the glory the Lord has for those who love him. The Son of David has come to exercise compassion and kindness on those who suffer disease and death. He is a good and perfect King, the promised king, One whom we can trust and flourish under his rule. Matthew has shown us Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah King. He proves he’s the king by the way heals the blind and loosens the tongue of the mute from a merciful heart full of compassion. And our king promises a kingdom under his rule for those who put their faith in him.

Sinner, are you blind? Call out for mercy. Jesus will open your eyes to see? Are you afflicted by the darkness? Call out to Jesus for mercy. He will heal your soul and transfer you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God. Jesus has given us a foretaste what his kingdom will be like for us: full of justice, peace, righteousness, compassion, kindness, and perfect wholeness.