Imagine being paralyzed and then suddenly told to get up and walk. In Matthew 9, this isn't just a dream; it's a life-changing moment that reveals the heart of Jesus.
The Reading: Matthew 9
World English Bible1 He entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into his own city.
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2 Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you.”
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3 Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man blasphemes.”
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4 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?
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5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk?’
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6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-” (then he said to the paralytic), “Get up, and take up your mat, and go to your house.”
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7 He arose and departed to his house.
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8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
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9 As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed him.
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10 As he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
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11 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
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12 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
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13 But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
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14 Then John’s disciples came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don’t fast?”
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15 Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
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16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse hole is made.
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17 Neither do people put new wine into old wine skins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wine skins, and both are preserved.”
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18 While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
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19 Jesus got up and followed him, as did his disciples.
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20 Behold, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;
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21 for she said within herself, “If I just touch his garment, I will be made well.”
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22 But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.
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23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd in noisy disorder,
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24 he said to them, “Make room, because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” They were ridiculing him.
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25 But when the crowd was put out, he entered in, took her by the hand, and the girl arose.
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26 The report of this went out into all that land.
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27 As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”
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28 When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They told him, “Yes, Lord.”
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29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.”
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30 Their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.”
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31 But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.
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32 As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him.
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33 When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”
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34 But the Pharisees said, “By the prince of the demons, he casts out demons.”
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35 Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
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36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.
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37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
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38 Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Jesus Heals the Paralytic
After crossing the water, Jesus returns to His hometown, where a group of determined friends brings a paralyzed man to Him. Seeing their faith, Jesus offers an unexpected message: "Your sins are forgiven." This surprises the religious leaders nearby, who think He's blaspheming. To prove His authority, Jesus commands the man to stand up and walk - and he does! The crowd is astonished, praising God for what they just witnessed.
The Call of Matthew
Next, Jesus spots Matthew, a tax collector, sitting at his booth. With a simple invitation, "Follow me," Matthew leaves everything behind to join Him. This act of grace sets the stage for a gathering of tax collectors and sinners at Jesus's table, sparking criticism from the Pharisees. Jesus responds with wisdom, stating that He came to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
New Wine in New Wineskins
When questioned about fasting, Jesus uses the analogy of a wedding celebration, emphasizing the joy found in His presence. He also shares a lesson about the need for fresh approaches; just as you wouldn't patch an old garment with new cloth, His message brings something new and transformative.
Miracles Continue
The chapter unfolds with more miracles: a ruler's daughter is brought back to life, and a woman suffering from a long-term illness is healed by simply touching His garment. Jesus reassures her that her faith has made her well. Lastly, He heals two blind men who believe in His power. Despite His cautions, they spread the word about Him everywhere.
Compassion for the Crowds
As He travels, Jesus is moved with compassion for the crowds, likening them to sheep without a shepherd. He urges His disciples to pray for more workers to help with the abundant harvest, highlighting the urgent need for care and guidance in the world.
Why It Matters
The Power of Faith
Matthew 9 beautifully illustrates the power of faith. The friends of the paralytic didn't let obstacles stop them; they showed tremendous belief that Jesus could heal. This teaches us about the importance of community support and steadfast faith in challenging times.
Compassion Over Criticism
Jesus's interactions with tax collectors and sinners remind us that compassion should prevail over judgment. He sees potential for change and growth in everyone, encouraging us to embrace those often marginalized in society.
A Call for Change
The metaphor of new wine in new wineskins challenges us to be open to new ideas and practices, especially when it comes to faith. As we journey through life, we should be willing to adapt and grow in our understanding of God's love and mission.
To explore these themes of faith and community, consider using Sancta to find a church near you where you can grow and connect with others.
A Harvest of Opportunity
Jesus's call to pray for more laborers is just as relevant today. We are all invited to participate in His mission of love and healing, to be the hands and feet that help guide others toward hope and compassion.
Coming Up Next: Matthew 10
In the next part of our journey through Matthew, chapter 10, we'll see Jesus sending out His disciples to carry on His work. Get ready to discover how they step into their calling and the challenges they face ahead!