Jesus Heals a Paralytic 1Jesus got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own town. 2Just then some men broughta to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” 4But Jesus knewb what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? 5Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” 7And the man got up and went home. 8When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men. Jesus Calls Matthew 9As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. 10Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’c For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.d” Questions about Fasting 14Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often,e but Your disciples do not fast?” 15Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. The Patches and the Wineskins 16No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. For the patch will pull away from the garment, and a worse tear will result. 17Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will spill, and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” The Healing Touch of Jesus 18While Jesus was saying these things, a synagogue leader came and knelt before Him. “My daughter has just died,” he said. “But come and place Your hand on her, and she will live.” 19So Jesus got up and went with him, along with His disciples. 20Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak. 21She said to herself, “If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.” 22Jesus turned and saw her. “Take courage, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that very hour. 23When Jesus entered the house of the synagogue leader, He saw the flute players and the noisy crowd. 24“Go away,” He told them. “The girl is not dead, but asleep.” And they laughed at Him. 25After the crowd had been put outside, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26And the news about this spread throughout that region. Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute 27As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. 29Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” 30And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one finds out about this!” 31But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout the land. 32As they were leaving, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. 33And when the demon had been driven out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!” 34But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that He drives out demons.” The Lord of the Harvest 35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. 36When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.” Footnotes: 2 a Literally And behold, they brought 4 b NA, BYZ, and TR saw 13 c Hosea 6:6 13 d BYZ and TR but sinners, to repentance; see Luke 5:32. 14 e NE and WH do not include so often. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Matthew 9 Summary The Lord of the HarvestVerses 1–8 – Forgiveness and Healing of a Paralytic Verses 9–13 – Matthew’s Call and the Physician for Sinners Verses 14–17 – Question about Fasting and New Wine Verses 18–26 – Raising Jairus’s Daughter and Healing the Bleeding Woman Verses 27–31 – Two Blind Men Receive Sight Verses 32–34 – Deliverance of a Mute Demoniac Verses 35–38 – The Compassionate Shepherd and the Plentiful Harvest Matthew 9 continues the narrative of Jesus' miraculous deeds, underscoring His authority, compassion, and the crucial role of faith. In addition, Jesus reveals His heart for the lost and calls for laborers for the spiritual harvest. Historical Setting Galilee lay under Roman rule, its roads patrolled by soldiers and its economy taxed to support the empire. Capernaum, a bustling fishing center on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, served as Jesus’ ministry base (Matthew 4:13). Archaeological digs reveal first-century basalt houses clustered along narrow lanes, one larger compound traditionally linked to Peter’s family. These houses were often topped with mud roofs—easily dismantled for the paralytic’s friends to lower him (cf. Mark 2:4). Authority to Forgive Sins Only God claimed the right to blot out transgressions (Isaiah 43:25; Psalm 103:3). By proclaiming forgiveness, Jesus openly assumed divine prerogative. His immediate healing of the man’s paralysis served as visible evidence backing the invisible grace. This same link appears later in 1 Peter 2:24, where the wounds of Christ bring both spiritual and physical healing. “Son of Man” and Messianic Identity While Matthew 9 records Jesus calling Himself “the Son of Man,” two blind men hail Him as “Son of David,” a royal, messianic title promised in 2 Samuel 7 and echoed in Isaiah 9:7. These dual titles highlight both His humble humanity and His promised kingship. Tax Collectors and Roman Occupation Tax collectors like Matthew leased territory from Rome and could charge extra to profit personally. They were despised as collaborators with the occupying force. Jesus’ choice of a tax collector for His inner circle shows His mission reaching beyond respectable religious circles (see Luke 19:1-10 for a similar case with Zacchaeus). “I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice” Quoting Hosea places Jesus firmly within prophetic tradition that prized loving devotion over hollow ritual (Micah 6:6-8). The phrase challenges religious leaders to value people over mere rule-keeping. Fasting, Weddings, and New Wineskins Jewish piety encouraged fasting on the Day of Atonement and often twice weekly among Pharisees (Luke 18:12). Jesus likens His presence to a wedding feast—an atmosphere of joy. The new wine illustration hints at the coming new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) that would burst old forms if forced into them. Women in a Patriarchal World The hemorrhaging woman was ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27), excluded from worship and social touch. Jesus reverses this: rather than becoming unclean Himself, He makes her whole. Likewise, He touches Jairus’s dead daughter, overriding the purity laws linked to corpses (Numbers 19:11-13). These acts underscore His authority over both physical and ceremonial realms. Faith on Display • Friends of the paralytic: their determined action mirrors Proverbs 17:17—“a friend loves at all times.” • The bleeding woman: believes without speaking (Mark 5:28 adds her inner reasoning). • Blind men: persist in calling out until granted an audience. • Jairus: risks ridicule by trusting Jesus’ word over mourning custom. Each account illustrates Hebrews 11:6: “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Blindness, Deafness, and Isaiah’s Vision Isaiah 35:5-6 predicted that in the days of salvation “the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.” Matthew stacks these miracles to signal messianic fulfillment. Even deliverance of the mute demoniac echoes Isaiah 61:1, “He has sent Me… to release the oppressed.” Accusation of Demonic Power Pharisees claim Jesus casts out demons by Beelzebul. This foreshadows the sharper clash in Matthew 12:24-32, where Jesus warns of blaspheming the Spirit. Their charge mirrors Exodus 8:19, where Egyptian magicians, failing to match a plague, call it “the finger of God.” Compassion and Shepherd Imagery Ezekiel 34 condemns faithless shepherds who neglect the flock. Jesus, seeing scattered crowds, embodies the true Shepherd promised in that chapter and in Psalm 23. The “harvest” metaphor also ties to Joel 3:13 and John 4:35, emphasizing urgency. Archaeological Insights • First-century synagogues: basalt foundations found beneath later white-limestone ruins at Capernaum align with Matthew’s mention of Jesus teaching there (Matthew 4:13; 9:35). • Magdala’s 2009 discovery of a synagogue with a carved stone depicting the temple shows how Galilean Jews, even far from Jerusalem, centered life on Scripture and worship. • Ossuaries (stone bone boxes) found around the region testify to burial customs consistent with the mourning scene at Jairus’s house. Links across the Gospels • Mark 2:1-22 and Luke 5:17-39 parallel the paralytic, Matthew’s call, and the fasting question, adding vivid details like roof removal. • Mark 5 and Luke 8 recount Jairus’s daughter and the bleeding woman, noting her 12-year suffering and the girl’s age of 12—two lives intertwined by a number signaling completeness. Harmonizing these accounts enriches appreciation for each writer’s emphases: Matthew spotlights authority; Mark accentuates immediacy; Luke underscores compassion. Echoes in Acts and the Epistles • Acts 3:1-10: Peter heals a lame man “in the name of Jesus,” mirroring His Master’s pattern. • James 5:14-15: elders pray and anoint the sick, believing “the prayer offered in faith will restore.” • 1 Timothy 1:15: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—a direct echo of Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:13. Practical Takeaways • Jesus’ authority covers both soul and body; no area of life lies outside His reach. • Mercy outranks ritual; people matter more than polished appearances. • Faith persists—whether tearing open a roof, pressing through a crowd, or crying out despite opposition. • The harvest is still plentiful; prayerful availability positions believers as modern laborers. Today’s Landscape Hospitals, missions, and even the very term “pastoral care” trace roots to scenes like Matthew 9. Wherever followers of Jesus pair compassionate eyes with willing hands, the kingdom continues to break in—new wine still expanding its skins. Connections to Additional Scriptures Authority to Forgive Sins Mark 2:5-12, Luke 5:20-26 Healing and Compassion Isaiah 53:4-5, James 5:14-15 Calling of Matthew Luke 5:27-32, Mark 2:13-17 New Wine in New Wineskins Luke 5:36-39, Mark 2:21-22 Harvest is Plentiful John 4:35-38, Luke 10:2 Teaching Points Authority to Forgive SinsJesus demonstrates His divine authority by forgiving the sins of the paralytic, saying, Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven (Matthew 9:2). This act reveals His identity as the Son of God, who has the power to forgive sins. Healing and Compassion Jesus heals various individuals, including the woman with the issue of blood and Jairus' daughter, illustrating His compassion and willingness to respond to faith (Matthew 9:20-25). Calling of Matthew Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him, showing that His grace extends to all, regardless of their past (Matthew 9:9). New Wine in New Wineskins Jesus teaches about the new covenant, emphasizing that His message and ministry cannot be confined to old traditions (Matthew 9:17). Harvest is Plentiful Jesus observes the crowds and is moved with compassion, urging His disciples to pray for more workers in the harvest field (Matthew 9:37-38). Practical Applications Embrace ForgivenessRecognize that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins and offers us a fresh start. We should also extend forgiveness to others. Exercise Faith Like the woman with the issue of blood, approach Jesus with faith, believing in His power to heal and transform our lives. Answer the Call Be open to Jesus' call in your life, just as Matthew left his tax booth to follow Him. Consider what you might need to leave behind to follow Christ fully. Adapt to New Ways Be willing to embrace the new things God is doing in your life, understanding that His plans may not fit into our preconceived notions. Pray for Workers Actively pray for more laborers in God's harvest field and consider how you can contribute to His work. People 1. JesusCentral figure in the chapter, performing miracles and teaching. He is referred to as "Jesus" (Greek: Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous), the Messiah and Son of God. 2. Paralytic Man A man brought to Jesus on a mat for healing. Jesus forgives his sins and heals him, demonstrating His authority over both physical and spiritual realms. 3. Scribes Religious leaders who question Jesus' authority to forgive sins. They are skeptical and accuse Jesus of blasphemy in their hearts. 4. Matthew A tax collector called by Jesus to follow Him. He becomes one of the twelve apostles. Known as "Matthew" (Greek: Μαθθαῖος, Matthaios). 5. Pharisees Religious leaders who question Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners. They are often depicted as legalistic and opposed to Jesus' ministry. 6. John the Baptist's Disciples Followers of John the Baptist who question Jesus about fasting practices. They are concerned with religious observance and tradition. 7. Synagogue Leader (Jairus) A leader whose daughter has died. He approaches Jesus in faith, seeking a miracle for his daughter’s resurrection. 8. Woman with the Issue of Blood A woman suffering from a bleeding condition for twelve years. She is healed by touching the fringe of Jesus' garment, demonstrating her faith. 9. Two Blind Men Men who follow Jesus, calling out for mercy. Jesus heals them, affirming their faith. 10. Demon-Possessed Mute Man A man brought to Jesus who is unable to speak due to demon possession. Jesus casts out the demon, restoring his ability to speak. 11. Crowds Groups of people witnessing Jesus' miracles and teachings. They are often amazed and spread news of His works. 12. Disciples Followers of Jesus who are with Him throughout His ministry. They are being prepared for their future roles in spreading the Gospel. Places 1. CapernaumMatthew 9:1: "Jesus got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own town." Capernaum is referred to as "His own town," indicating it was a central location for Jesus' ministry. The Greek word used here is Καφαρναούμ (Kapharnaoum), which was a significant town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. 2. House Matthew 9:10: "While Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples." The specific location is not named, but it is identified as the house of Matthew, the tax collector. The Greek word for house is οἶκος (oikos), which can refer to a dwelling or household. 3. Synagogue Leader's House Matthew 9:23: "When Jesus entered the house of the synagogue leader, He saw the flute players and the noisy crowd." This refers to the home of Jairus, a synagogue leader, where Jesus performed a miracle by raising Jairus' daughter from the dead. The Greek term used for synagogue is συναγωγή (synagōgē), indicating a place of assembly or congregation. Events 1. Jesus Heals a Paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8)Jesus returns to His own town, where a paralytic is brought to Him. Seeing their faith, Jesus says, "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven" (Matthew 9:2). The scribes accuse Him of blasphemy, but Jesus, knowing their thoughts, asks which is easier to say: "Your sins are forgiven," or "Get up and walk"? To prove His authority to forgive sins, He heals the paralytic, who then walks away, astonishing the crowd. 2. The Calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13) As Jesus passes by a tax booth, He sees Matthew and calls him, saying, "Follow Me" (Matthew 9:9). Matthew immediately follows Him. Later, Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners, prompting the Pharisees to question His disciples. Jesus responds, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Matthew 9:12), emphasizing His mission to call sinners to repentance. 3. Question about Fasting (Matthew 9:14-17) John's disciples ask Jesus why His disciples do not fast. Jesus explains that the guests of the bridegroom cannot mourn while the bridegroom is with them, indicating that His presence is a time of joy. He uses the analogy of new wine in old wineskins to illustrate the incompatibility of old traditions with the new covenant He brings. 4. A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman (Matthew 9:18-26) A synagogue leader kneels before Jesus, asking Him to raise his dead daughter. On His way, a woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years touches the fringe of His cloak, believing she will be healed. Jesus turns and says, "Take courage, daughter, your faith has healed you" (Matthew 9:22). She is healed instantly. Jesus then arrives at the leader's house, takes the girl by the hand, and she rises, demonstrating His power over death. 5. Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute (Matthew 9:27-34) Two blind men follow Jesus, calling out for mercy. Jesus asks if they believe He can heal them, and upon their affirmation, He touches their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you" (Matthew 9:29). Their sight is restored. Later, a demon-possessed mute man is brought to Jesus, and after the demon is driven out, the man speaks, astonishing the crowd. 6. The Harvest is Plentiful (Matthew 9:35-38) Jesus travels through towns and villages, teaching, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. Seeing the crowds, He has compassion on them because they are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He tells His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Matthew 9:37), urging them to pray for more workers for the harvest. Topics 1. Jesus Heals a Paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8)Jesus returns to His own town and heals a paralytic man brought to Him on a mat. He first forgives the man's sins, which causes some scribes to accuse Him of blasphemy. To demonstrate His authority to forgive sins, Jesus heals the man, who then walks away. The crowd is filled with awe and glorifies God. The Greek word for "forgive" (ἀφίημι, aphiemi) emphasizes the release or dismissal of sins. 2. The Calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13) Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Matthew immediately leaves his post and follows Jesus. Later, Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners, prompting the Pharisees to question His actions. Jesus responds by emphasizing His mission to call sinners, not the righteous, to repentance. The term "follow" (ἀκολουθέω, akoloutheō) implies a continuous, committed discipleship. 3. Question about Fasting (Matthew 9:14-17) The disciples of John the Baptist question Jesus about why His disciples do not fast. Jesus explains using the metaphor of a bridegroom and new wineskins, indicating that His presence brings a new era that requires new practices. The Greek word for "new" (καινός, kainos) suggests something fresh and unprecedented. 4. A Girl Restored and a Woman Healed (Matthew 9:18-26) A synagogue leader named Jairus approaches Jesus, pleading for his dying daughter. On the way to Jairus's house, a woman suffering from a bleeding disorder touches Jesus' cloak and is healed. Jesus acknowledges her faith. Upon arrival at Jairus's house, Jesus raises the girl from the dead. The term "faith" (πίστις, pistis) is central, highlighting trust and belief in Jesus' power. 5. Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute (Matthew 9:27-34) Two blind men follow Jesus, calling Him "Son of David" and asking for mercy. Jesus heals them according to their faith. Later, a demon-possessed mute man is brought to Jesus, and He casts out the demon, enabling the man to speak. The crowd marvels, but the Pharisees attribute the miracle to demonic power. The title "Son of David" underscores Jesus' messianic identity. 6. The Harvest is Plentiful (Matthew 9:35-38) Jesus continues His ministry, teaching, preaching, and healing throughout the towns and villages. He is moved with compassion for the crowds, who are like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus instructs His disciples to pray for more laborers to be sent into the harvest. The Greek word for "compassion" (σπλαγχνίζομαι, splanchnizomai) conveys a deep, visceral empathy. Themes 1. Authority of Jesus to Forgive SinsIn Matthew 9:2-6, Jesus demonstrates His authority to forgive sins, which is a divine prerogative. The Greek word for "forgive" (ἀφίημι, aphiemi) implies a release or letting go, highlighting Jesus' divine authority to absolve sin. 2. Faith and Healing The theme of faith is central in Matthew 9:20-22, where the woman with the issue of blood is healed because of her faith. The Greek word for "faith" (πίστις, pistis) underscores trust and belief in Jesus' power to heal. 3. Calling of Sinners In Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, illustrating His mission to call sinners to repentance. The Greek term for "call" (καλέω, kaleo) signifies an invitation, emphasizing Jesus' outreach to those marginalized by society. 4. Compassion of Jesus Jesus' compassion is evident in Matthew 9:35-36, where He is moved by the crowds' plight. The Greek word for "compassion" (σπλαγχνίζομαι, splagchnizomai) conveys a deep, visceral empathy, reflecting Jesus' heart for the lost and suffering. 5. Power over Death The raising of Jairus' daughter in Matthew 9:18-26 demonstrates Jesus' power over death. This theme underscores His divine authority and foreshadows His own resurrection. 6. Criticism and Opposition In Matthew 9:11 and 9:34, Jesus faces criticism from the Pharisees, highlighting the theme of opposition to His ministry. This opposition is rooted in a misunderstanding of His mission and authority. 7. Harvest and Laborers The theme of the harvest is introduced in Matthew 9:37-38, where Jesus speaks of the plentiful harvest and the need for laborers. The Greek word for "harvest" (θερισμός, therismos) symbolizes the readiness of people to receive the Gospel. Answering Tough Questions 1. Matthew 9:1–8: How could a paralyzed man instantly regain mobility without any medical intervention? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the healing of the paralytic demonstrate Jesus' authority over both physical ailment and sin? 2. What does Jesus' call of Matthew reveal about His mission and the types of people He seeks? 3. How do you understand Jesus' teaching on fasting and the metaphors He uses? 4. What does the healing of the bleeding woman teach about faith and determination? 5. How can the resurrection of Jairus' daughter inspire hope in seemingly hopeless situations? 6. What do the healings of the blind and mute men teach about faith and Jesus' power over physical and spiritual afflictions? 7. What insights can you draw from Jesus' compassion for the crowd? 8. How do you interpret Jesus' call for laborers for the harvest? How can you respond to this call? 9. How does Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees challenge traditional religious practices? 10. How does the faith of the friends of the paralytic inspire your faith actions for others? 11. How can Jesus' compassion for the spiritually lost affect your approach to evangelism? 12. How does the miracle of raising Jairus' daughter from the dead reinforce your faith in Jesus' power over death? 13. What do the various healing miracles teach you about the different ways Jesus responds to faith? 14. How does Matthew's response to Jesus' call to follow Him challenge you in your discipleship journey? 15. How can you apply Jesus' teaching about new wine in old wineskins in your spiritual life? 16. What lessons can you learn from the faith of the woman with the issue of blood? 17. How does Jesus' compassion towards the harassed and helpless crowds influence your view of His character? 18. How does the chapter's ending, with Jesus' call for workers in the harvest, apply to your life? 19. What implications does Jesus' authority to forgive sins have on your understanding of Him as the Messiah? 20. How does Jesus' mission to call not the righteous, but sinners, reflect on His grace and mercy? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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