See further comment on 20:29-34. The blind men's initial act of faith is approaching Jesus with a plea for mercy (5:7; 20:31; Mk 10:47), recognizing that they are dependent on his kindness rather than on any merit of their own (contrast Greek prayer-comment on Mt 6:7). Their initial faith also includes a recognition of Jesus' identity. Here two blind beggars confess Jesus' messianic identity (Son of David) before Peter does (16:16; compare Jn 4:25-26). Yet despite their initial acts of faith, Jesus forces them to clarify that they not only seek his help and recognize his identity but also acknowledge his ability to heal this otherwise irreversible disability (Mt 9:28). Jesus refuses to heal without faith; he is not a magician, but one who seeks to glorify his Father (compare 13:58).