Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. After all, the Passover is approaching soon (see John 11:55ff.; John 12:1). The pilgrim route from Galilee to Jerusalem ran via Jericho. It is no wonder, then, that blind people are begging for alms along that road precisely near that town. It is where they may expect to receive gifts of mercy. After all, the people are in the mood for it, although it was an ominous sign that people had to beg in order to provide for their necessities of life (see Deuteronomy 15:4–6).
35 Comme Jésus approchait de Jéricho, un aveugle était assis au bord du chemin, et mendiait.