Miracles and Missions: Compassion and Authority of the Messiah

Matthew 9 presents a dynamic picture of Jesus' compassion and authority. His miracles confirm His divinity, while His teachings redefine religious practices and highlight His mission to save the lost. The chapter concludes with a powerful call to participate in God's mission, reminding us that the fields are ripe for harvest.

Section 1: Jesus Heals a Paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8)

Upon returning to Capernaum, Jesus forgives and heals a paralytic brought by his friends, showcasing His authority to forgive sins and heal.

Section 2: The Calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13)

Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him, and dines with tax collectors and sinners at Matthew's house, illustrating His mission to save the lost. In response to the Pharisees' criticism, He emphasizes the need for mercy over sacrifice.

Section 3: A Question About Fasting (Matthew 9:14-17)

When John's disciples question Jesus about fasting, He uses the metaphors of the bridegroom, new cloth on an old garment, and new wine in old wineskins to explain the newness of His message and mission.

Section 4: Jesus Heals a Bleeding Woman and Restores a Girl to Life (Matthew 9:18-26)

As Jesus goes to raise Jairus' daughter from the dead, a woman with bleeding touches His cloak in faith and is healed. Arriving at Jairus' house, He restores the girl to life, demonstrating His power over disease and death.

Section 5: Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute (Matthew 9:27-34)

Two blind men and a mute demon-possessed man receive healing through their faith in Jesus, showcasing His authority over physical ailments and spiritual forces.

Section 6: The Lord of the Harvest (Matthew 9:35-38)

As Jesus teaches and heals throughout the cities, He expresses compassion for the crowds, likening them to sheep without a shepherd. He calls His disciples to pray for more laborers for 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.

Authority: Jesus' authority to forgive sins and heal sicknesses.
Faith: The essential role of faith in receiving miracles.
Compassion: Jesus' love and concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of people.
Mission: The call to participate in the spiritual harvest.Jesus Heals a Paralytic
The Calling of Matthew
A Question About Fasting
Jesus Heals a Bleeding Woman and Restores a Girl to Life
Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute
The Lord of the HarvestJesus Christ
The paralytic and his friends
Matthew the tax collector
John’s disciples
The bleeding woman
Jairus and his daughter
The two blind men
The mute demon-possessed man
The PhariseesCapernaum
Matthew’s house
Jairus' house

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?