Matthew 9
BSB1 Jesus got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own town. 2 Just then some men brought 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." 3 On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!" 4 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’ 6 But 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." 7 And the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men. 9 As 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. 10 Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. “ 14 At that time John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?" 15 Jesus 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. 16 No 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. 17 Neither 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." 18 While 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." 19 So Jesus got up and went with him, along with His disciples. 20 Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed." 22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take courage, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was cured from that very hour. 23 When 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. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 And the news about this spread throughout that region. 27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!" 28 After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered. 29 Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you." 30 And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one finds out about this!" 31 But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout the land. 32 As they were leaving, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. 33 And 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!" 34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that He drives out demons." 35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When He saw the crowds, He was moved with 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 workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest."
Study Notes — Matthew 9
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Matthew 9
- Themes from Matthew 9
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Matthew 9
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Matthew chapter 9 begins with Jesus healing a paralyzed man, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:1-8). Jesus then calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him, and dines with sinners, prompting criticism from the Pharisees (Matthew 9:9-13). The chapter continues with Jesus raising a ruler's daughter from the dead and healing a woman with a bleeding condition (Matthew 9:18-26). Jesus also heals two blind men and a mute demon-possessed man, further showcasing His divine power (Matthew 9:27-34). The chapter concludes with Jesus expressing compassion for the crowds and instructing His disciples to pray for laborers to be sent into the harvest (Matthew 9:35-38).
Context for the Chapter
Matthew chapter 9 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in Galilee. The chapter follows Jesus' sermon on the mount and His encounters with various individuals, including a leper, a centurion, and a pair of blind men. The events of Matthew 9 are situated within the broader context of Jesus' ministry, which emphasizes His authority, compassion, and mission to seek and save the lost. This chapter also looks forward to Jesus' eventual death and resurrection, as well as the disciples' role in spreading the gospel message.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Matthew chapter 9, we are reminded of Jesus' authority, compassion, and mission to seek and save the lost. We are called to respond to Jesus' message with faith and repentance, and to demonstrate mercy and compassion to those around us. May we be inspired by Jesus' example to live out our faith in practical ways, seeking to bring healing and restoration to a broken world.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Matthew chapter 9 shows Jesus' power and love as He heals and helps many people. He has the authority to forgive sins and make people whole again. Jesus calls us to have faith and follow Him, just like Matthew the tax collector did. We can learn from Jesus' example and show love and kindness to those around us, just like He did.
Voices from the Church
“The miracles of Jesus are not merely displays of power, but also testimonies to His divine nature and mission. They demonstrate His authority to forgive sins and heal the sick, and they underscore the importance of faith and repentance in response to His message.”
— John Calvin
“The compassion of Jesus is a boundless ocean, and we are all invited to drink from its waters. May we be refreshed and renewed by His mercy, and may we seek to extend that mercy to others in His name.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man (Matthew 9:1-8) — Jesus demonstrates His authority to forgive sins and heal the sick, prompting the Pharisees to question His actions.
- Jesus Calls Matthew and Dines with Sinners (Matthew 9:9-13) — Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him and dines with sinners, highlighting His mission to seek and save the lost.
- Jesus Raises a Ruler's Daughter and Heals a Woman (Matthew 9:18-26) — Jesus raises a ruler's daughter from the dead and heals a woman with a bleeding condition, demonstrating His power and compassion.
- Jesus Heals Two Blind Men and a Mute Demon-Possessed Man (Matthew 9:27-34) — Jesus heals two blind men and a mute demon-possessed man, further showcasing His divine power and authority.
- Jesus Expresses Compassion for the Crowds (Matthew 9:35-38) — Jesus expresses compassion for the crowds and instructs His disciples to pray for laborers to be sent into the harvest, emphasizing the importance of mercy and evangelism.
Core Doctrines
- The Authority of Christ
- Matthew chapter 9 demonstrates Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal the sick, underscoring His divine nature and mission.
- The Importance of Faith
- The faith of those who approach Jesus is a key element in their healing and restoration, highlighting the importance of faith in response to Jesus' message.
- The Mission of Jesus
- Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost is a central theme in Matthew chapter 9, emphasizing His role as the Savior of sinners.
- The Compassion of God
- Jesus' compassion and mercy are on full display in Matthew chapter 9, demonstrating God's love and care for humanity.
Lessons from Matthew 9
- The Importance of Compassion — Jesus' compassion and mercy towards the crowds and individuals in need inspire us to demonstrate similar qualities in our own lives.
- The Role of Faith — The faith of those who approach Jesus is a key element in their healing and restoration, highlighting the importance of faith in response to Jesus' message.
- The Mission of Jesus — Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost is a central theme in Matthew chapter 9, emphasizing His role as the Savior of sinners.
- The Authority of Christ — Matthew chapter 9 demonstrates Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal the sick, underscoring His divine nature and mission.
- The Call to Follow Jesus — Jesus' call to Matthew the tax collector challenges our assumptions about who is worthy of God's love and forgiveness, and inspires us to follow Jesus with faith and obedience.
Themes from Matthew 9
- The Authority of Christ — Matthew chapter 9 demonstrates Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal the sick, underscoring His divine nature and mission.
- The Importance of Faith — The faith of those who approach Jesus is a key element in their healing and restoration, highlighting the importance of faith in response to Jesus' message.
- The Mission of Jesus — Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost is a central theme in Matthew chapter 9, emphasizing His role as the Savior of sinners.
- The Compassion of God — Jesus' compassion and mercy towards the crowds and individuals in need demonstrate God's love and care for humanity.
- The Call to Follow Jesus — Jesus' call to Matthew the tax collector challenges our assumptions about who is worthy of God's love and forgiveness, and inspires us to follow Jesus with faith and obedience.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal the sick reveal about His divine nature and mission?
- How does Jesus' compassion and mercy towards the crowds and individuals in need inspire us to demonstrate similar qualities in our own lives?
- What role does faith play in the healing and restoration of those who approach Jesus in Matthew chapter 9?
- How does Jesus' call to Matthew the tax collector challenge our assumptions about who is worthy of God's love and forgiveness?
- What lessons can we learn from Jesus' example about the importance of mercy, compassion, and evangelism in our own lives and ministries?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man (Matthew 9:1-8)
| 9:1 | Jesus gets into a boat and crosses the sea to come to His own city, where a paralyzed man is brought to Him. |
| 9:2 | The paralyzed man is lowered through the roof, and Jesus sees the faith of those who brought him and forgives his sins. |
| 9:3 | The scribes accuse Jesus of blasphemy, but Jesus responds by demonstrating His authority to forgive sins and heal the sick. |
| 9:4 | Jesus knows the thoughts of the scribes and responds to their unspoken criticism, emphasizing His divine nature and mission. |
| 9:5 | Jesus asks which is easier, to forgive sins or to heal the sick, and then heals the paralyzed man to demonstrate His authority. |
| 9:6 | The crowds are amazed and glorify God, recognizing Jesus' divine power and authority. |
| 9:7 | The paralyzed man is healed and rises, demonstrating Jesus' power to restore and redeem. |
| 9:8 | The crowds are filled with awe, and they glorify God for the miracle they have witnessed. |
2. Jesus Calls Matthew and Dines with Sinners (Matthew 9:9-13)
| 9:9 | Jesus sees Matthew sitting at the tax office and calls him to follow Him, and Matthew rises and follows Jesus. |
| 9:10 | Jesus and His disciples are dining with tax collectors and sinners, prompting the Pharisees to criticize Jesus for eating with such people. |
| 9:11 | The Pharisees ask Jesus' disciples why He eats with tax collectors and sinners, and Jesus responds by emphasizing His mission to seek and save the lost. |
| 9:12 | Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, saying that He desires mercy, not sacrifice, and that He has come to call the righteous, but sinners. |
| 9:13 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy and compassion, highlighting His role as the Savior of sinners. |
3. Jesus Raises a Ruler's Daughter and Heals a Woman (Matthew 9:18-26)
| 9:18 | A ruler approaches Jesus and asks Him to come and raise his daughter from the dead, and Jesus rises and follows him. |
| 9:19 | A woman with a bleeding condition touches Jesus' cloak and is healed, and Jesus feels power go out from Him. |
| 9:20 | The woman is healed, and Jesus turns to her and says that her faith has made her well. |
| 9:21 | The ruler's daughter is raised from the dead, and Jesus gives her to her father, demonstrating His power to restore and redeem. |
| 9:22 | The woman is healed and restored, and Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in response to His message. |
| 9:23 | The ruler's daughter is raised, and Jesus instructs the people to give her something to eat, demonstrating His care and compassion for her. |
| 9:24 | The people are amazed, and they glorify God for the miracle they have witnessed. |
| 9:25 | The ruler's daughter is restored to her father, and Jesus demonstrates His power to redeem and restore. |
| 9:26 | The news of the miracle spreads, and the people are amazed and glorify God for the power and authority of Jesus. |
4. Jesus Heals Two Blind Men and a Mute Demon-Possessed Man (Matthew 9:27-34)
| 9:27 | Two blind men follow Jesus, asking Him to have mercy on them and heal their blindness. |
| 9:28 | Jesus asks the blind men if they believe He can heal them, and they respond with faith and confidence in His power. |
| 9:29 | Jesus touches the eyes of the blind men and heals them, demonstrating His power and authority. |
| 9:30 | The blind men are healed and see, and Jesus instructs them to tell no one about the miracle. |
| 9:31 | The news of the miracle spreads, and the people are amazed and glorify God for the power and authority of Jesus. |
| 9:32 | A mute demon-possessed man is brought to Jesus, and Jesus heals him and casts out the demon. |
| 9:33 | The crowds are amazed, and they glorify God for the miracle they have witnessed. |
| 9:34 | The Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, but Jesus responds by emphasizing His divine nature and mission. |
5. Jesus Expresses Compassion for the Crowds (Matthew 9:35-38)
| 9:35 | Jesus goes throughout the cities and villages, teaching and preaching and healing every disease and affliction. |
| 9:36 | Jesus sees the crowds and has compassion on them, because they are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. |
| 9:37 | Jesus says to His disciples that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, and He instructs them to pray for laborers to be sent into the harvest. |
| 9:38 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy and evangelism, highlighting His role as the Savior of sinners and the need for laborers to be sent into the harvest. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal the sick in Matthew chapter 9?
Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal the sick demonstrates His divine nature and mission, highlighting His role as the Savior of sinners. (Matthew 9:1-8, 18-26, 27-34)
How does Jesus' compassion and mercy towards the crowds and individuals in need inspire us to demonstrate similar qualities in our own lives?
Jesus' compassion and mercy inspire us to demonstrate similar qualities in our own lives, emphasizing the importance of mercy, compassion, and evangelism in our ministries. (Matthew 9:35-38)
What role does faith play in the healing and restoration of those who approach Jesus in Matthew chapter 9?
The faith of those who approach Jesus is a key element in their healing and restoration, highlighting the importance of faith in response to Jesus' message. (Matthew 9:2, 22, 28)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 9:13 → Hosea 6:6 | Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, saying that He desires mercy, not sacrifice, and that He has come to call the righteous, but sinners. |
| 2 | Matthew 9:1-8 → Mark 2:1-12 | The story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man is also recorded in Mark 2:1-12, highlighting Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal the sick. |
| 3 | Matthew 9:9-13 → Luke 5:27-32 | The story of Jesus calling Matthew and dining with sinners is also recorded in Luke 5:27-32, emphasizing Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. |
| 4 | Matthew 9:18-26 → Mark 5:21-43 | The story of Jesus raising a ruler's daughter and healing a woman is also recorded in Mark 5:21-43, demonstrating Jesus' power to restore and redeem. |
| 5 | Matthew 9:27-34 → Luke 11:14-23 | The story of Jesus healing two blind men and a mute demon-possessed man is also recorded in Luke 11:14-23, highlighting Jesus' divine power and authority. |
| 6 | Matthew 9:35-38 → Luke 10:1-20 | Jesus' instruction to His disciples to pray for laborers to be sent into the harvest is also recorded in Luke 10:1-20, emphasizing the importance of mercy and evangelism. |
| 7 | Matthew 9:1-8 → Psalm 103:3 | The Psalmist says that God forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases, highlighting God's mercy and compassion. |
| 8 | Matthew 9:9-13 → Romans 5:8 | The apostle Paul says that God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, emphasizing God's love and mercy. |
| 9 | Matthew 9:18-26 → Isaiah 35:5-6 | The prophet Isaiah says that the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped, highlighting God's power to restore and redeem. |
| 10 | Matthew 9:27-34 → John 9:1-41 | The story of Jesus healing a blind man is also recorded in John 9:1-41, demonstrating Jesus' divine power and authority. |
Sermons on Matthew 9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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But Suppose God Doesn't Do It by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how their faith in God allowed them to be delivered from |
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Make My Life a Prayer to You by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of apathy and lack of belief among Christians. He highlights the barrenness of altars and the lack of fire in the hearts of believe |
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Lewis Land of Revival (Revival Testimonies) by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the preacher describes the supernatural experience of a revival where young people were deeply moved to worship and seek God. The focus of the revival was not on ma |
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His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses various topics such as the influence of media, the importance of reading the New Testament, and the power of one individual to make a differen |
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(Pdf Book) My All for Him / 5 Chapters by Basilea Schlink | Basilea Schlink emphasizes the necessity of 'first love' for Jesus, which is crucial for enduring the trials of our time. This love, akin to 'bridal love,' is a powerful force that |
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From Negative to Positive by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the "father's cup" and its connection to the devil. He emphasizes that going far in understanding this concept means recognizin |
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Revival Series 5 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the downfall of those who have gained wealth and power through dishonest means. He emphasizes that their kingdom will eventually perish, whil |
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You Don't Have to Quit by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the difficult times that people are facing both personally and nationally. He emphasizes the importance of Christian friends and the support a |
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(John - Part 9): The Word Made Flesh: The Mystery of It by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the revelation of God's being, love, grace, mercy, and redemptive intention through Jesus Christ. The preacher highlights the miraculous wor |
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The Monkey on the Mind by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing the problems in our minds rather than just focusing on physical issues. He uses the analogy of little monkeys g |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 9
In Matthew chapter 9, Jesus continues His ministry in Galilee, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins and heal the sick. Through various miracles and encounters, Jesus showcases His divine power and compassion, highlighting His mission to seek and save the lost. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of faith, mercy, and evangelism in our own lives and ministries. May we be inspired by Jesus' example to demonstrate similar qualities, seeking to bring healing and restoration to a broken world. (Matthew 9:1-8, 9-13, 18-26, 27-34, 35-38) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' Authority
Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal the sick is demonstrated through various miracles and encounters. This authority is a key aspect of His divine nature and mission.
Compassion and Mercy
Jesus' compassion and mercy are on full display as He interacts with the crowds and helps those in need. This emphasis on mercy and compassion underscores the importance of these qualities in Jesus' ministry.
Faith and Repentance
The faith of those who approach Jesus is a key element in their healing and restoration. This highlights the importance of faith and repentance in response to Jesus' message and ministry.