Matthew 9: The Authority and Compassion of Jesus
And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
And he arose, and departed to his house.
But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,
He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Matthew 9 continues to build upon the portrait of Jesus as the Messiah, powerfully demonstrating His authority over sickness, sin, and even death. Through a series of remarkable miracles and encounters, Jesus reveals His divine nature and extends grace to those who are often marginalized and overlooked. This chapter also highlights the importance of faith and the urgent need for laborers in God's harvest field.
Healing and Forgiveness (Matthew 9:1-8)
After crossing the Sea of Galilee and returning to Capernaum (Matthew 9:1; see Matthew 4:13), Jesus is met with a powerful display of faith. Some men bring a paralytic to Him, seeking healing. In a surprising move, Jesus first declares, "Your sins are forgiven" (Matthew 9:2). This declaration immediately provokes outrage from the scribes, who rightly understand that only God has the authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:3). They accuse Jesus of blasphemy.
Jesus, knowing their thoughts (Matthew 9:4), confronts them with a profound question: "Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or 'Get up and walk'?" (Matthew 9:5). While claiming the power to forgive sins is easier to say, demonstrating that power requires a visible miracle. To prove His authority to forgive sins – a spiritual reality – Jesus demonstrates His power over the physical realm by healing the paralytic. He commands the man to "Get up, pick up your mat and go home" (Matthew 9:6). The man immediately obeys, walking away healed.
The crowds are filled with awe and glorify God (Matthew 9:8). This healing not only demonstrates Jesus' power but also affirms His deity. He possesses the authority to deal with both the physical and the spiritual needs of humanity. This should inspire us to stand in awe of Him.
The Calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13)
As Jesus continues His ministry, He encounters Matthew, also known as Levi (Mark 2:14), sitting at a tax collector's booth. Tax collectors were reviled figures in Jewish society, seen as traitors who collaborated with the Roman Empire and often extorted money from their own people. Yet, Jesus calls out to Matthew, "Follow me" (Matthew 9:9).
Matthew immediately leaves his booth and follows Jesus, becoming one of His disciples. Later, Matthew hosts a dinner party at his house, inviting his friends – other tax collectors and "sinners" – to meet Jesus (Matthew 9:10). This act of fellowship with those considered outcasts scandalizes the Pharisees, who question Jesus' disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" (Matthew 9:11).
Jesus responds with a powerful and insightful analogy: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Matthew 9:12). He explains that His mission is to seek and save the lost, to minister to those who recognize their need for healing and forgiveness. He then directs the Pharisees to go and learn the meaning of the scripture, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" (Matthew 9:13), quoting Hosea 6:6. Jesus emphasizes that true religion is characterized by compassion and mercy, not merely by outward rituals and sacrifices. If our worship and praise do not make us more compassionate towards the lost, we have missed the point.
The Question About Fasting (Matthew 9:14-17)
The disciples of John the Baptist approach Jesus with a question about fasting: "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?" (Matthew 9:14). Jesus answers with three illustrations.
First, He compares His presence with His disciples to a wedding feast: "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast" (Matthew 9:15). Fasting is a sign of mourning and repentance, which is inappropriate when the Messiah, the bridegroom, is present.
Second, Jesus uses the analogy of patching an old garment with unshrunk cloth: "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse" (Matthew 9:16). Similarly, the newness of Jesus' teachings and the Kingdom He brings cannot be forced into the old patterns of religious practice.
Finally, He uses the image of new wine and old wineskins: "Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved" (Matthew 9:17). The new covenant that Jesus establishes requires a new framework, a new way of thinking and living. The old system is insufficient to contain the power and grace of the Kingdom of God.
Healing and Restoration (Matthew 9:18-34)
This section of Matthew 9 showcases Jesus' power through a series of miraculous healings, demonstrating his authority over sickness and death.
First, a synagogue leader approaches Jesus, pleading for his daughter who has just died: "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live" (Matthew 9:18). While Jesus is on His way to the man's house, a woman who has suffered from bleeding for twelve years touches the edge of His cloak, believing that even a touch will heal her (Matthew 9:20-21). Her faith is rewarded instantly. Jesus turns to her and says, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well" (Matthew 9:22).
Upon arriving at the synagogue leader's house, Jesus finds a scene of mourning and lamentation. He dismisses the mourners, declaring, "The girl is not dead but asleep" (Matthew 9:24). He then takes the girl's hand, and she is raised back to life (Matthew 9:25). The news of this miracle spreads throughout the region (Matthew 9:26).
As Jesus leaves the house, two blind men follow Him, crying out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" (Matthew 9:27). They recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the promised King from the line of David. When Jesus enters the house, He asks them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" (Matthew 9:28). They affirm their faith, and Jesus touches their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be done to you" (Matthew 9:29). Their sight is restored. Jesus warns them not to tell anyone, but they are so overjoyed that they spread the news throughout the region (Matthew 9:30-31).
Finally, a demon-oppressed man who is unable to speak is brought to Jesus (Matthew 9:32). Jesus casts out the demon, and the man is able to speak. The crowds are amazed, but the Pharisees, in their hardened hearts, attribute Jesus' power to Satan, saying, "It is only by the prince of demons that this fellow drives out demons" (Matthew 9:34).
The Compassion of Jesus (Matthew 9:35-38)
Matthew concludes this chapter by highlighting Jesus' compassion for the crowds. He travels through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness (Matthew 9:35).
Seeing the crowds, Jesus is moved with compassion, because they are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). He recognizes their spiritual need and the lack of true leadership. Jesus tells 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" (Matthew 9:37-38). This call to prayer underscores the urgent need for laborers to share the Gospel and minister to the lost and hurting.
Matthew 9 reveals Jesus as the Messiah, possessing divine authority and boundless compassion. His miracles demonstrate His power over sin, sickness, and death, while His interactions with the marginalized and His call for laborers highlight His heart for the lost. This chapter invites us to recognize Jesus' authority in our lives, to embrace His compassion for others, and to join Him in His mission to reach the world with the good news of the Kingdom.
And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
And he arose, and departed to his house.
But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,
He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Matthew 9 continues to build upon the portrait of Jesus as the Messiah, powerfully demonstrating His authority over sickness, sin, and even death. Through a series of remarkable miracles and encounters, Jesus reveals His divine nature and extends grace to those who are often marginalized and overlooked. This chapter also highlights the importance of faith and the urgent need for laborers in God's harvest field.
Healing and Forgiveness (Matthew 9:1-8)
After crossing the Sea of Galilee and returning to Capernaum (Matthew 9:1; see Matthew 4:13), Jesus is met with a powerful display of faith. Some men bring a paralytic to Him, seeking healing. In a surprising move, Jesus first declares, "Your sins are forgiven" (Matthew 9:2). This declaration immediately provokes outrage from the scribes, who rightly understand that only God has the authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:3). They accuse Jesus of blasphemy.
Jesus, knowing their thoughts (Matthew 9:4), confronts them with a profound question: "Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or 'Get up and walk'?" (Matthew 9:5). While claiming the power to forgive sins is easier to say, demonstrating that power requires a visible miracle. To prove His authority to forgive sins – a spiritual reality – Jesus demonstrates His power over the physical realm by healing the paralytic. He commands the man to "Get up, pick up your mat and go home" (Matthew 9:6). The man immediately obeys, walking away healed.
The crowds are filled with awe and glorify God (Matthew 9:8). This healing not only demonstrates Jesus' power but also affirms His deity. He possesses the authority to deal with both the physical and the spiritual needs of humanity. This should inspire us to stand in awe of Him.
The Calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13)
As Jesus continues His ministry, He encounters Matthew, also known as Levi (Mark 2:14), sitting at a tax collector's booth. Tax collectors were reviled figures in Jewish society, seen as traitors who collaborated with the Roman Empire and often extorted money from their own people. Yet, Jesus calls out to Matthew, "Follow me" (Matthew 9:9).
Matthew immediately leaves his booth and follows Jesus, becoming one of His disciples. Later, Matthew hosts a dinner party at his house, inviting his friends – other tax collectors and "sinners" – to meet Jesus (Matthew 9:10). This act of fellowship with those considered outcasts scandalizes the Pharisees, who question Jesus' disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" (Matthew 9:11).
Jesus responds with a powerful and insightful analogy: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Matthew 9:12). He explains that His mission is to seek and save the lost, to minister to those who recognize their need for healing and forgiveness. He then directs the Pharisees to go and learn the meaning of the scripture, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" (Matthew 9:13), quoting Hosea 6:6. Jesus emphasizes that true religion is characterized by compassion and mercy, not merely by outward rituals and sacrifices. If our worship and praise do not make us more compassionate towards the lost, we have missed the point.
The Question About Fasting (Matthew 9:14-17)
The disciples of John the Baptist approach Jesus with a question about fasting: "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?" (Matthew 9:14). Jesus answers with three illustrations.
First, He compares His presence with His disciples to a wedding feast: "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast" (Matthew 9:15). Fasting is a sign of mourning and repentance, which is inappropriate when the Messiah, the bridegroom, is present.
Second, Jesus uses the analogy of patching an old garment with unshrunk cloth: "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse" (Matthew 9:16). Similarly, the newness of Jesus' teachings and the Kingdom He brings cannot be forced into the old patterns of religious practice.
Finally, He uses the image of new wine and old wineskins: "Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved" (Matthew 9:17). The new covenant that Jesus establishes requires a new framework, a new way of thinking and living. The old system is insufficient to contain the power and grace of the Kingdom of God.
Healing and Restoration (Matthew 9:18-34)
This section of Matthew 9 showcases Jesus' power through a series of miraculous healings, demonstrating his authority over sickness and death.
First, a synagogue leader approaches Jesus, pleading for his daughter who has just died: "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live" (Matthew 9:18). While Jesus is on His way to the man's house, a woman who has suffered from bleeding for twelve years touches the edge of His cloak, believing that even a touch will heal her (Matthew 9:20-21). Her faith is rewarded instantly. Jesus turns to her and says, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well" (Matthew 9:22).
Upon arriving at the synagogue leader's house, Jesus finds a scene of mourning and lamentation. He dismisses the mourners, declaring, "The girl is not dead but asleep" (Matthew 9:24). He then takes the girl's hand, and she is raised back to life (Matthew 9:25). The news of this miracle spreads throughout the region (Matthew 9:26).
As Jesus leaves the house, two blind men follow Him, crying out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" (Matthew 9:27). They recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the promised King from the line of David. When Jesus enters the house, He asks them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" (Matthew 9:28). They affirm their faith, and Jesus touches their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be done to you" (Matthew 9:29). Their sight is restored. Jesus warns them not to tell anyone, but they are so overjoyed that they spread the news throughout the region (Matthew 9:30-31).
Finally, a demon-oppressed man who is unable to speak is brought to Jesus (Matthew 9:32). Jesus casts out the demon, and the man is able to speak. The crowds are amazed, but the Pharisees, in their hardened hearts, attribute Jesus' power to Satan, saying, "It is only by the prince of demons that this fellow drives out demons" (Matthew 9:34).
The Compassion of Jesus (Matthew 9:35-38)
Matthew concludes this chapter by highlighting Jesus' compassion for the crowds. He travels through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness (Matthew 9:35).
Seeing the crowds, Jesus is moved with compassion, because they are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). He recognizes their spiritual need and the lack of true leadership. Jesus tells 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" (Matthew 9:37-38). This call to prayer underscores the urgent need for laborers to share the Gospel and minister to the lost and hurting.
Matthew 9 reveals Jesus as the Messiah, possessing divine authority and boundless compassion. His miracles demonstrate His power over sin, sickness, and death, while His interactions with the marginalized and His call for laborers highlight His heart for the lost. This chapter invites us to recognize Jesus' authority in our lives, to embrace His compassion for others, and to join Him in His mission to reach the world with the good news of the Kingdom.