◄ Matthew 9 ►
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Summary The Lord of the Harvest 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. Teaching Points Authority to Forgive Sins Jesus 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 Forgiveness Recognize 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. Jesus Central 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. Capernaum Matthew 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. 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 Prayer Points Thanksgiving for Forgiveness Thank God for the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ and ask for a heart that forgives others. Faith for Healing Pray for increased faith to believe in Jesus' healing power in all areas of life. Willingness to Follow Ask for the courage to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, leaving behind anything that hinders your walk with Him. Openness to Change Pray for a receptive heart to embrace the new things God is doing in your life and community. Laborers for the Harvest Pray for more workers to be raised up for the harvest and for guidance on how you can participate in God's mission. Bible Study 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? 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 Sins In 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. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions