1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.
2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”
3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.”
4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?
5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?
6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”
7 And he rose and went home.
8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”
15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made.
17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.
18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples.
20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment,
21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.”
22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
23 And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion,
24 He said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him.
25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.
26 And the report of this went through all that district.
27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”
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.”
31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
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.”
34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”
35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;
38 Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
The True Meaning of Matthew 9
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was a tax collector before being called by Jesus to become one of his twelve disciples. Jesus continues his ministry in this chapter, performing miracles and teaching the people, while also facing opposition from the religious authorities.
The chapter begins with Jesus healing a paralytic man, demonstrating his power to forgive sins and restore physical health. This is followed by the calling of Matthew himself, showing how Jesus can transform the lives of those who follow him. We then see Jesus addressing the criticism of his association with “sinners” and his disciples’ practice of fasting, as he prepares his followers for the challenges they will face.
The chapter also includes the healing of a woman with a bleeding disorder and the raising of a young girl from the dead, both of which showcase Jesus’ authority over sickness and even death. These miracles are a testament to his divine nature and the power of his message, which will continue to spread throughout the land. Jesus’ teachings remind us of the importance of faith, repentance, and the transformative power as we read this chapter. The events described here foreshadow the growing conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment, which will ultimately lead to his crucifixion and resurrection, the pivotal events that form the foundation of our Christian faith.
Matthew 9:1-8
The section in Matthew 9:1-8 can be broken down into several important parts. Firstly, it starts with Jesus stepping into a boat, crossing over the Sea of Galilee, and coming to his own city. Then, a paralytic man is brought to him on a mat. Jesus sees the faith of the people who brought the paralytic to him and pronounces forgiveness for the man’s sins. Upon hearing this, some of the scribes accuse Jesus of blasphemy in their hearts, questioning his authority to forgive sins. Jesus, aware of their thoughts, challenges their doubt by healing the paralytic, telling him to rise, take up his mat, and go home. The man, healed and restored, gets up and goes away glorifying God. The crowd witnesses this miracle and is filled with awe, marveling at the power given to men by God.
This passage is rich in meaning and significance. Firstly, Jesus’ act of forgiving the paralytic man’s sins before healing him highlights the importance of spiritual healing and reconciliation with God. It emphasizes Jesus’ divine authority to forgive sins, a theme that is central to his ministry throughout the Gospels. Jesus proves his identity as the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament by demonstrating his authority to forgive sins and perform miracles. This event also reveals the hardness of heart and unbelief of the scribes, who refuse to acknowledge Jesus’ divinity despite witnessing his miraculous works.
The reaction of the crowd to the healing of the paralytic man is also significant. They are filled with awe and glorify God, recognizing the power and authority bestowed upon Jesus. This response echoes the numerous instances in the Gospels where people are amazed by Jesus’ teachings and miracles, leading them to glorify God and spread the news of his works. It underscores the importance of faith and belief in Jesus as the source of salvation and divine healing. This moment serves as a powerful testimony to the crowd and us, illustrating the transformative power of encountering Jesus and witnessing his miracles firsthand. This passage in Matthew 9:1-8 reinforces the overarching themes of faith, forgiveness, and the authority of Jesus in a broader sense. It challenges us to examine our own faith in Jesus as the Son of God and the power of his forgiveness in our lives. It also reminds us of the need to believe in the miraculous works of Jesus and to glorify God for His wondrous deeds. This narrative serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of encountering Jesus personally and the profound effect it can have on our lives and those around us. It calls us to respond with awe, faith, and gratitude, just as the crowd did when they witnessed the healing of the paralytic man.
Matthew 9:9-13
Jesus encounters a tax collector named Matthew sitting at the tax booth in Matthew 9:9-13. Tax collectors during this time were viewed as traitors to the Jewish people because they collected taxes for the Roman oppressors and often exploited their own people for personal gain. When Jesus saw Matthew, a despised figure among the Jews, he simply said, “Follow me,” and Matthew rose and followed him. This action of Jesus calling a tax collector to be one of his disciples was radical and controversial because it went against the societal norms and expectations of the time.
This passage highlights Jesus’s mission to reach out to those who were considered outcasts and sinners in society. Jesus demonstrated his message of love, forgiveness, and redemption being available to all, regardless of their past or societal status, by calling Matthew. This shows us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that Jesus came to save not the righteous, but sinners (Matthew 9:13).
The Pharisees, who were religious leaders known for their strict adherence to the Jewish law, criticized Jesus for dining with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus responded by stating that he came not for the righteous, but for sinners, emphasizing the importance of mercy over sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). This challenges the Pharisees’ self-righteousness and highlights the fundamental message of Jesus’s ministry, which focuses on the importance of love, compassion, and mercy towards others, especially those who are marginalized or considered unworthy by society.
Through his interactions with Matthew and the Pharisees in this passage, Jesus teaches us valuable lessons about the nature of God’s love and his purpose in coming to earth. It underscores the concept that God’s love is inclusive and reaches out to all people, especially those who are lost or broken. Jesus’s willingness to associate with sinners and outcasts also serves as a reminder that our focus should be on showing compassion and understanding towards others, rather than judging or excluding them based on societal standards. God’s love has the transformative power to change lives and bring salvation to all who are willing to follow Him, ultimately conveying a message of redemption and hope in this passage.
Matthew 9:14-17
Several important sections in Matthew 9:14-17 provide deep insights into the teachings of Jesus and the relationship between the old and new covenants.
Firstly, in verse 14, the disciples of John the Baptist come to Jesus and ask, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” This question raises an important issue of religious practices and traditions. Fasting was a common practice in Jewish tradition, observed as a sign of repentance or seeking God’s favor. The disciples were questioning Jesus about why his followers were not following this religious ritual like others. Jesus responds by referring to himself as the bridegroom and explains that his disciples do not fast while he is with them, but they will fast after he is taken away. This highlights the significance of Jesus’ presence and the new era He is ushering in. Jesus is establishing that His arrival marks a significant shift in religious practices and traditions, emphasizing the importance of His teachings over ritualistic practices.
Secondly, Jesus uses the analogy of a new patch on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins in verses 16-17 to further illustrate the contrast between the old and new ways. He explains that pouring new wine into old wineskins would cause the wineskins to burst and the wine to be wasted. Similarly, sewing an unshrunk piece of cloth onto an old garment would result in a worse tear. Jesus is highlighting that His message and teachings cannot be contained or restricted by the old traditions and practices. He is introducing a new covenant that cannot be simply added on to the existing religious structures. The old covenant of the law is being fulfilled and replaced by the new covenant of grace through Jesus Christ.
This passage in Matthew 9:14-17 emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus’ message and the need for a receptive heart to embrace the newness He brings. It challenges believers to not be bound by tradition or legalistic practices but to be open to the renewal and transformation that Jesus offers. Jesus is paving the way for a new era of spiritual freedom and fulfillment, where the focus is on the relationship with Him rather than on religious rituals and regulations. Jesus challenges the religious leaders of His time for their rigid adherence to rules and regulations at the expense of genuine faith and compassion in numerous teachings. Jesus often emphasized the importance of mercy, love, and relationship over outward rituals or traditions. This passage also echoes the prophetic messages in the Old Testament, such as in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new covenant that will not be like the old covenant but will be based on His law written on people’s hearts. Matthew 9:14-17 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of Jesus’ teachings and the need for a flexible, receptive heart to fully experience the new life He offers through His sacrifice and resurrection. It calls believers to embrace the newness of the gospel and to let go of old mindsets and practices that may hinder a deeper relationship with Christ.
Matthew 9:18-26
A synagogue leader in Matthew 9:18-26 comes to Jesus, falls at His feet, and pleads for His help. This leader was Jairus, a prominent figure in the local synagogue. His act of coming to Jesus, despite his high status, demonstrates his desperation and faith in Jesus’ ability to heal his daughter who was at the point of death. This story sets the scene for a powerful display of Jesus’ authority over sickness and death. A woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years approaches Jesus from behind and touches the edge of His cloak, believing that she will be healed if she does so, as Jesus agrees to go with Jairus to his home. This woman had suffered for many years and had spent all her resources seeking a cure, yet found none. Her faith in Jesus was so deep that she believed even a mere touch of His garment would bring healing. Jesus recognizes her faith and declares, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.” This is a powerful moment that showcases the importance of faith in receiving healing and blessings from God. Messengers arrive with the news that Jairus’ daughter has died in the midst of this interaction. Jesus encourages Jairus not to be afraid but to believe, indicating that even in the face of death, faith is crucial. Upon arriving at Jairus’ house, Jesus raises the girl from the dead, displaying His authority over death itself. This miracle not only brings physical healing but also demonstrates Jesus’ power over the spiritual realm, foreshadowing His ultimate victory over sin and death through His own resurrection.
This passage in Matthew 9 reveals several timeless messages. Firstly, it emphasizes the significance of faith in experiencing the miraculous work of God. Both Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood demonstrated unwavering faith in Jesus’ ability to heal, and they were rewarded for their faith. This echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 9:29 when He says, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” Faith plays a central role in the Christian life, and this passage serves as a reminder of the power of trusting in Jesus.
Secondly, the narrative highlights Jesus’ compassion and willingness to respond to the cries of those in need. Despite His busy schedule and the urgency of Jairus’ situation, Jesus takes the time to acknowledge and heal the woman suffering from a longstanding illness. This demonstrates His love for individuals and His desire to bring wholeness to both the body and soul. Jesus showcases as the ultimate healer and source of hope in Matthew 9:18-26. It challenges readers to approach Him with faith, knowing that He has the power to bring restoration, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. This passage underscores the profound truth that Jesus is not only able but also willing to meet us in our moments of greatest need, offering healing, comfort, and ultimately, eternal life.
Matthew 9:27-31
Jesus performs a specific miracle in Matthew 9:27-31, where two blind men follow Him and ask to be healed. Let’s break down the verse into important sections for a more detailed interpretation. Two blind men followed Jesus, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”‘” The title “Son of David” used by the blind men is significant. The Messianic title in the Jewish context referred to the belief that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. The blind men were acknowledging Jesus as the promised Messiah by addressing Him as the Son of David, showing their faith in His ability to heal them.
The blind men followed Jesus, showing persistence and determination in seeking healing. Their physical blindness can also be seen as symbolic of the spiritual blindness that many people experience when they do not recognize Jesus as the Son of God. The fact that they had faith that Jesus could heal them despite their condition is a powerful lesson in trusting in God’s ability to work miracles in our lives. The blind men came to him when he had gone indoors, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”‘” Jesus often tested people’s faith before performing miracles, not because He didn’t know whether they believed, but to strengthen their faith and show the importance of belief in receiving blessings. This question challenged the blind men to affirm their faith in Jesus’ power to heal them.
The blind men responded in verse 29, “Yes, Lord, they replied.” Their simple yet profound affirmation of faith demonstrated their trust in Jesus’ ability to heal them. The use of the term “Lord” also signifies their recognition of Jesus’ authority and divinity, further emphasizing their belief in Him.
Jesus touched their eyes, saying in verse 29, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” This statement underscores the crucial role of faith in experiencing God’s miracles. Jesus often emphasized the importance of faith in receiving blessings, as seen in other instances like the healing of the centurion’s servant in Matthew 8:5-13.
Verse 30 goes on to say, “Their sight was restored.” Through Jesus’ healing touch and their unwavering faith, the blind men regained their sight. This physical healing serves as a powerful illustration of the spiritual healing that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him. Just as the blind men received physical sight, believers can receive spiritual sight and understanding through faith in Christ.
Lastly, in verse 31, Jesus sternly warned them not to tell anyone about this miracle. Jesus often instructed those whom He healed not to publicize their healing, likely to avoid drawing too much attention to Himself before the appointed time of His crucifixion. It also served to emphasize that Jesus came not just to perform miracles but primarily to preach the Kingdom of God and bring salvation to humanity.
Matthew 9:32-34
The verses in Matthew 9:32-34 describe a specific instance where someone brought a demon-possessed man who was mute to Jesus. Let’s break down this passage into important sections:
1. The Demon-Possessed Man
The passage starts by introducing us to a man who is demon-possessed and mute. Demon possession in the Bible is a common occurrence that serves to demonstrate the power of evil forces that Jesus, as the Son of God, has the authority to cast out. The man’s inability to speak also highlights the depth of his affliction and the extent to which demons can have control over a person’s life.
2. Jesus’ Healing
Upon being brought to Jesus, the man is healed. Jesus casts out the demon, and immediately the man is able to speak. This miraculous healing underscores Jesus’ divine authority and power over both physical and spiritual afflictions. It shows that nothing is impossible for Jesus, and that he has the ability to restore what is broken or lost.
3. The Response of the Crowds
The people witnessing this event were amazed and marveled at what Jesus had done. They recognized the extraordinary nature of this healing and acknowledged that Jesus was no ordinary man. However, some skeptics refused to accept Jesus’ authority and attributed his power to Beelzebul, the prince of demons. This reaction reveals the division among the people regarding Jesus’ identity and mission.
Interpretation and Message
This passage in Matthew 9:32-34 conveys several timeless messages. Firstly, it emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and power to heal both physical and spiritual ailments. Jesus proves that he is the Messiah and the Son of God by demonstrating his authority over demons and illness. The passage also highlights the importance of faith in receiving healing and restoration. The belief and trust in Jesus’ ability to heal were crucial in this man’s miraculous recovery.
Furthermore, the differing responses of the crowds illustrate the ongoing theme of belief versus unbelief that runs throughout the Gospels. Some people recognized Jesus as the Son of God, while others dismissed his miracles and attributed them to evil forces. This division serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare present in the world and the importance of discerning the true source of power and authority. Matthew 9:32-34 reinforces the overarching narrative of Jesus’ ministry on earth – to bring healing, deliverance, and salvation to all who believe in him, in parallel with other verses in the Bible, such as Mark 1:34, where Jesus healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons.
Matthew 9:35-38
The verse in Matthew 9:35-38 is divided into two significant sections. The first section comprises verses 35-36: “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Here, we witness Jesus actively engaging in His ministry on Earth. He traveled from place to place, teaching the people, sharing the good news of the kingdom of God, and performing miracles by healing the sick. This passage illuminates Jesus as the ultimate example of a compassionate and merciful shepherd. He not only tended to the physical needs of the people through healing but also recognized their spiritual needs, referring to them as sheep without a shepherd. This metaphorical imagery highlights the guidance and protection we all need, which Jesus readily provides.
The second section, found in verses 37-38, states: “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Jesus shifts His focus to the need for more laborers in His ministry in this part of the passage. Jesus underscores the urgency and abundance of souls waiting to be reached with the Gospel by referring to the people as a harvest ready to be gathered.
This call for more workers remains relevant today. It is a reminder that the responsibility of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ is not exclusive to a select few but rather a collective duty for all believers. We, as followers of Christ, are called to actively involve ourselves in God’s work, bringing His message of love and salvation to those around us. This passage echoes the sentiment of spreading the Gospel in other parts of the Bible, such as in Matthew 28:19-20 when Jesus commissions His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 9:35-38 serves as a poignant depiction of Jesus’ ministry on Earth, showcasing His compassion, healing power, and the call for more laborers in the harvest field. It encourages us to be both recipients of God’s mercy and willing participants in sharing His grace with others, fulfilling the Great Commission with a heart of compassion and urgency, just as Jesus exemplified during His time on Earth.
After Matthew 9
Jesus demonstrated his power by healing the sick, forgiving sins, and calling sinners to follow him in this chapter. The Pharisees questioned his actions, but Jesus showed that he came to bring mercy and salvation to all. Jesus is the ultimate healer of our souls and bodies as we reflect on these miracles. We will continue to follow Jesus with faith and obedience, trusting in his power to transform our lives. We should be open to his teachings and ready to share his love with those around us as we journey with him. We will now turn our hearts towards the next chapter, eager to see more of Jesus’ miracles and the impact of his ministry on those he encounters.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.