What is the meaning of Matthew 9:3? On seeing this • The “this” is the entire scene of Matthew 9:2—Jesus telling a paralyzed man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” • Forgiveness of sins is an invisible act; the scribes could not test it, but they could see the paralytic still on his mat. • Jesus’ words set the stage for a visible proof: healing that would confirm His unseen authority (Matthew 9:6; Mark 2:10–11). • Similar moments where crowds witnessed undeniable works of God: Matthew 12:22–24; John 11:45–46. • Scripture shows that faith responds with worship, but hardened hearts respond with criticism (John 9:13–16). some of the scribes • Scribes were experts in the Law, often aligned with Pharisees (Matthew 5:20; 23:2). • Their calling was to protect doctrine, yet many became defenders of religious tradition instead of divine revelation (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:6). • Not every scribe rejected Jesus (Matthew 13:52), but this group did, illustrating the divided response He consistently received (John 7:12). • Their presence here signals an official evaluation of Jesus’ ministry, foreshadowing later opposition (Matthew 21:15; Luke 19:47). said to themselves • They did not voice their charge aloud; God reads even unspoken thoughts (Psalm 139:2; Hebrews 4:13). • Jesus immediately “knew their thoughts” (Matthew 9:4), displaying omniscience—an attribute of deity (John 2:24–25). • Hidden unbelief is still accountable before God (Luke 12:2–3; Romans 2:16). • The scene contrasts inner skepticism with the outward act of faith by the friends lowering the paralytic (Mark 2:4–5). “This man is blaspheming!” • Under Mosaic Law, to claim divine prerogatives without being God was blasphemy and punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16). • The scribes reasoned logically but wrongly: Only God can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25); Jesus just forgave sins; therefore, if He is not God, He blasphemes (John 10:33). • Jesus answered by healing the paralytic, proving the premise they overlooked—He is God in the flesh (Matthew 9:6–7; John 5:18–23). • Their charge anticipates future accusations that will culminate at the cross (Matthew 26:65; Mark 14:64). • Scripture consistently affirms Christ’s full deity, validating His right to forgive (Colossians 2:9; Titus 2:13). summary Matthew 9:3 captures a flashpoint: religious experts, witnessing Jesus forgive sins, silently accuse Him of blasphemy. Their reaction showcases how human tradition can blind hearts to God’s revealed Messiah. Jesus’ omniscience exposes their thoughts, and His forthcoming miracle will confirm His divine authority. The verse calls every reader to choose—stand with skeptical scribes or bow before the Son who truly forgives. |
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