Matthew 9:2
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."
Just then
This phrase indicates immediacy and urgency, suggesting that the events described are unfolding rapidly. In the context of the Gospel of Matthew, this immediacy underscores the active and dynamic nature of Jesus' ministry. The Greek word used here, "ἰδού" (idou), often translated as "behold" or "look," serves to draw the reader's attention to the significant event about to occur. It is a call to witness the miraculous and divine intervention that is characteristic of Jesus' earthly ministry.

some men
The identity of these men is not specified, but their actions demonstrate faith and determination. In the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, community and collective action were vital. These men exemplify the communal faith and support that were essential in a society where individuals often relied on their community for help and healing. Their role highlights the importance of intercessory faith, where the faith of one can lead to the blessing of another.

brought to Him
The act of bringing the paralytic to Jesus signifies faith in action. The Greek word "προσφέρω" (prosphero) means to bring or offer, often used in the context of offerings or sacrifices. This suggests that the men are offering the paralytic to Jesus, trusting in His power to heal. It reflects the belief that Jesus is the ultimate source of healing and restoration, a belief that is central to Christian faith.

a paralytic
The term "παραλυτικός" (paralytikos) refers to someone suffering from paralysis, a condition that rendered individuals helpless and dependent on others. In the historical context, paralysis was often seen as a sign of sin or divine disfavor. By addressing the needs of the paralytic, Jesus challenges societal norms and demonstrates His authority over physical and spiritual ailments, emphasizing His role as the compassionate healer.

lying on a mat
The mat, or "κράββατος" (krabbatos), was a simple bed or pallet used by the poor and infirm. It symbolizes the paralytic's condition of helplessness and dependence. In a broader spiritual sense, the mat represents the burdens and limitations that individuals carry. Jesus' interaction with the paralytic on the mat signifies His willingness to meet people where they are, regardless of their circumstances.

When Jesus saw their faith
This phrase highlights the importance of faith in the narrative. The Greek word "πίστις" (pistis) denotes trust, belief, and confidence. Jesus' recognition of their faith underscores the communal aspect of faith, where the belief and actions of a group can lead to divine intervention. It also emphasizes that faith is not merely an internal conviction but is demonstrated through actions.

He said to the paralytic
Jesus' direct address to the paralytic signifies His personal and compassionate approach to healing. It reflects His authority and willingness to engage with individuals personally. In the cultural context, addressing someone directly was a sign of respect and acknowledgment, indicating that Jesus values each person and their unique circumstances.

Take courage, son
The phrase "Take courage" is translated from the Greek "θάρσει" (tharsei), which means to be of good cheer or to have confidence. Jesus' words are meant to comfort and reassure the paralytic, addressing not only his physical condition but also his emotional and spiritual state. Calling him "son" indicates a relationship of care and compassion, reflecting the familial love that God extends to His children.

your sins are forgiven
This declaration is profound, as it addresses the root of human suffering—sin. The Greek word "ἀφίημι" (aphiemi) means to send away or to forgive, indicating the removal of sin's burden. In the historical and religious context, forgiveness of sins was a divine prerogative, and Jesus' pronouncement asserts His divine authority. This statement not only offers spiritual healing but also challenges the prevailing religious understanding, pointing to Jesus as the Messiah who has the power to forgive sins.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the passage, known for His teaching, healing, and authority. In this event, He demonstrates His power to forgive sins.

2. Paralytic Man
A man suffering from paralysis, brought to Jesus by others, symbolizing faith and the need for divine intervention.

3. Capernaum
The town where this event takes place, often serving as a base for Jesus' ministry in Galilee.

4. The Friends of the Paralytic
Individuals who demonstrate faith and determination by bringing the paralytic to Jesus, highlighting the importance of community and support in faith.

5. The Crowd
Observers of the event, representing various reactions to Jesus' ministry, from skepticism to belief.
Teaching Points
Faith in Action
The friends of the paralytic demonstrate that true faith often requires action. We are called to actively bring others to Christ, trusting in His power to heal and forgive.

Authority of Jesus
Jesus' ability to forgive sins underscores His divine authority. Recognizing His authority should lead us to trust Him with our deepest needs.

Community Support
The role of the friends highlights the importance of community in our spiritual journey. We should support and encourage one another in faith.

Forgiveness and Healing
Jesus prioritizes forgiveness over physical healing, teaching us that spiritual restoration is paramount. We should seek forgiveness and spiritual health as a priority in our lives.

Response to Jesus
The crowd's varied reactions remind us that people will respond differently to Jesus' message. We should be prepared to encounter skepticism and belief in our witness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the faith of the paralytic's friends challenge us to be more proactive in bringing others to Jesus?

2. In what ways does Jesus' authority to forgive sins impact our understanding of His identity and mission?

3. How can we cultivate a supportive community that encourages faith and spiritual growth, similar to the friends of the paralytic?

4. What does this passage teach us about the relationship between physical healing and spiritual forgiveness?

5. How can we respond to skepticism or disbelief in our own lives and communities, as seen in the crowd's reaction to Jesus?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Mark 2:1-12 and Luke 5:17-26
These parallel accounts provide additional details about the event, such as the friends lowering the paralytic through the roof, emphasizing their faith and determination.

James 5:15
This verse connects the concept of faith and healing, illustrating the power of prayer and faith in the healing process.

Isaiah 53:5
This Old Testament prophecy speaks of the Messiah's role in healing and forgiveness, which Jesus fulfills in this passage.
Christ's EncouragementsAlexander MaclarenMatthew 9:2
The Claim to Forgive SinR. Tuck Matthew 9:2
Christ Sees the Beginning and the Ending of the Patient'sW. Arnot.Matthew 9:1-8
Forgiveness, the Primary Reed of the SinnerGurnall.Matthew 9:1-8
Getting the Palsied Man to JesusWebster and Wilkinson.Matthew 9:1-8
Good Cheer for Sad HeartsW. Armlet.Matthew 9:1-8
Helplessness and its MasterBp. Huntingdon.Matthew 9:1-8
Sin and its ForgivenessC. B. Drake, M. A.Matthew 9:1-8
Soul-SearchingJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 9:1-8
The Cure of the ParalyticD. Rees.Matthew 9:1-8
The Efficacy of GraceA. F. C. Wallroth.Matthew 9:1-8
The Forgiven ParalyticP. Morrison.Matthew 9:1-8
The Highest Cause for JoyAmerican Homiletical ReviewMatthew 9:1-8
The Lord of Both LivesP.C. Barker Matthew 9:1-8
The Mystery of SicknessS. Robjohns, M. A.Matthew 9:1-8
The Paralytic HealedThe Clergyman's MagazineMatthew 9:1-8
The Paralytic, or Sickness ImprovedW. Jay.Matthew 9:1-8
The Story of a ParalyticH. S. Swithinbank, M. A.Matthew 9:1-8
At CapernaumMarcus Dods Matthew 9:1-17
Christ and the Forgiveness of SinsW.F. Adeney Matthew 9:2-8
People
David, Jesus, John, Matthew
Places
Capernaum
Topics
Bed, Behold, Bringing, Cheer, Child, Couch, Courage, Faith, Forgiven, Forgiveness, Heart, Ill, Laid, Lying, Mat, Moving, Palsy, Paralytic, Paralyzed, Pardoned, Power, Seeing, Sick, Sins, Stretched
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 9:2

     2027   Christ, grace and mercy
     2369   Christ, responses to
     5014   heart, human
     5229   bed
     5297   disease
     5738   sons
     5763   attitudes, positive to God
     6025   sin, and God's character
     7115   children of God

Matthew 9:1-8

     2012   Christ, authority
     6654   forgiveness, Christ's ministry

Matthew 9:2-4

     2045   Christ, knowledge of

Matthew 9:2-6

     2018   Christ, divinity

Matthew 9:2-7

     6040   sinners
     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

Matthew 9:2-8

     5162   lameness
     5285   cures
     7464   teachers of the law

Library
June 26. "When He Saw the Multitudes He was Moved" (Matt. Ix. 36).
"When He saw the multitudes He was moved" (Matt. ix. 36). He is able to be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities." The word "touched" expresses a great deal. It means that our troubles are His troubles, and that in all our afflictions He is afflicted. It is not a sympathy of sentiment, but a sympathy of suffering. There is much help in this for the tired heart. It is the foundation of His Priesthood, and God meant that it should be to us a source of unceasing consolation. Let us realize, more
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Christ's Encouragements
'Son, be of good cheer.'--MATT. ix. 2. This word of encouragement, which exhorts to both cheerfulness and courage, is often upon Christ's lips. It is only once employed in the Gospels by any other than He. If we throw together the various instances in which He thus speaks, we may get a somewhat striking view of the hindrances to such a temper of bold, buoyant cheerfulness which the world presents, and of the means for securing it which Christ provides. But before I consider these individually, let
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Christlike Judgment of Men
'But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.' --MATT. ix. 36. In the course of our Lord's wandering life of teaching and healing, there had naturally gathered around Him a large number of persons who followed Him from place to place, and we have here cast into a symbol the impression produced upon Him by their outward condition. That is to say, He sees them lying there weary, and footsore, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second
'That ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins (then saith He to the sick of the palsy), Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.'--MATT. ix. 6. The great example of our Lord's teaching in the Sermon on the Mount is followed, in this and the preceding chapter, by a similar collection of His works of healing. These are divided into three groups, each consisting of three members. This miracle is the last of the second triad, of which the other two members are the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ
'While He spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped Him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay Thy hand upon her, and she shall live. 19. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did His disciples. 20. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment: 21. For she said within herself, If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole. 22. But Jesus turned Him about,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Call of Matthew
'And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him. 10. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12. But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Compassion of Jesus
THIS is said of Christ Jesus several times in the New Testament. The original word is a very remarkable one. It is not found in classic Greek. It is not found in the Septuagint. The fact is, it was a word coined by the evangelists themselves. They did not find one in the whole Greek language that suited their purpose, and therefore they had to make one. It is expressive of the deepest emotion; a striving of the bowels--a yearning of the innermost nature with pity. As the dictionaries tell us-- Ex
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 60: 1914

Eleventh Day for More Labourers
WHAT TO PRAY.--For more Labourers "Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that He send forth labourers into His harvest."--MATT. ix. 38. What a remarkable call of the Lord Jesus for help from His disciples in getting the need supplied. What an honour put upon prayer. What a proof that God wants prayer and will hear it. Pray for labourers, for all students in theological seminaries, training homes, Bible institutes, that they may not go, unless He fits them and sends them forth; that our churches may
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Dread of Ridicule.
24th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. ix. 24. "And they laughed Him to scorn." INTRODUCTION.--"All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. iii. 12.) This is what S. Paul says. This is what everyone of you must make up your mind to, if you intend to live godly lives, and, moreover, to live in Christ. Do you know what that meant to the early Christians? It meant that if they were going to be firm in their faith, live up to their profession, and eschew evil, they should
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Evil Thoughts.
19th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. ix. 4. "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" INTRODUCTION.--Thoughts are only thoughts! who is to beheld accountable for them? They are clouds blown about by fancy, taking various shapes. God is not so hard as to judge us for our thoughts; He will try us by what we have done, not by what we have dreamed. No garden is without weeds; there are tares in every cornfield. Who speak thus? Is it those who are conscientious and scrupulous to drive away evil thoughts?
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Civilized Barbarism (Preached for the Bishop of London's Fund, at St. John's Church, Notting Hill, June 1866. )
ST. MATTHEW ix. 12. They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. I have been honoured by an invitation to preach on behalf of the Bishop of London's Fund for providing for the spiritual wants of this metropolis. By the bishop, and a large number of landowners, employers of labour, and others who were aware of the increasing heathendom of the richest and happiest city of the world, it was agreed that, if possible, a million sterling should be raised during the next ten years,
Charles Kingsley—The Water of Life and Other Sermons

The Physician's Calling (Preached at Whitehall for St. George's Hospital. )
ST. MATTHEW ix. 35. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. The Gospels speak of disease and death in a very simple and human tone. They regard them in theory, as all are forced to regard them in fact, as sore and sad evils. The Gospels never speak of disease or death as necessities; never as the will of God. It is Satan, not God, who binds the woman with
Charles Kingsley—The Water of Life and Other Sermons

Of the Words Themselves in General.
We come now to the words themselves, wherein Christ asserts that he is, 1, "the way;" 2, "the truth;" 3, "the life;" and, 4, "that no man cometh to the Father but by him." In them we learn these two things in general. First, The misery of wretched man by nature. This cannot be in a few words expressed. These words will point out those particulars thereof, which we will but mention. 1. That he is born an enemy to, and living at a distance from God, by virtue of the curse of the broken covenant of
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Christ
IF NOT GOD--NOT GOOD BY I. M. HALDEMAN, D.D. "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God" (Matthew 9:17). THE world has accepted Jesus Christ as a good man. The evidences of his goodness are manifold. He was full of compassion. He never looked upon the people as a crowd. He never thought of them as a mass. He saw them always as individuals. His heart went out to them. All his impulses were to pity them, sympathize with, and help them. He went among them. He entered into
I. M. Haldeman—Christ, Christianity and the Bible

Concerted Prayer
"A tourist, in climbing an Alpine summit, finds himself tied by a strong rope to his trusty guide, and to three of his fellow-tourists. As they skirt a perilous precipice he cannot pray, Lord, hold up my goings in a safe path, that my footsteps slip not, but as to my guide and companions, they must look out for themselves.' The only proper prayer in such a case is, Lord, hold up our goings in a safe path; for if one slips all of us may perish.'"--H. Clay Trumbull The pious Quesnel says that "God
Edward M. Bounds—The Essentials of Prayer

Combination Illustrated.
To illustrate our method of combination, let us take Section 36, which is a fitting together of the following passages, namely: 9 And as Jesus passed by from thence, he saw a man, called Matthew, sitting at the place of toll: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.--Matt. ix. 9. 13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the place of toll,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Call of Matthew.
(at or Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IX. 9; ^B Mark II. 13, 14; ^C Luke V. 27, 28. ^c 27 And after these thingsa [after the healing of the paralytic] he went forth, ^a again by the seaside [i. e., he left Capernaum, and sought the shore of the sea, which formed a convenient auditorium for him, and which was hence a favorite scene for his teaching]; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14 And as he ^a Jesus passed by from thence, he saw ^c and beheld ^a a man, ^c a publican, named
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Matthew's Feast. Discourse on Fasting.
(Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IX. 10-17; ^B Mark II. 15-22; ^C Luke V. 29-39. ^c 29 And Levi [another name for the apostle Matthew] made him a great feast in his house: ^b 15 And it came to pass, that he was sitting { ^a as he sat} at meat in the { ^b his} ^a house, ^c and there was a great multitude of publicans [Matthew had invited his old friends] and of others ^b and ^a behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. ^b for there were many, ^c that were sitting at meat
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman.
(Capernaum, Same Day as Last.) ^A Matt. IX. 18-26; ^B Mark V. 22-43; ^C Luke VIII. 41-56. ^c 41 And ^a 18 While he spake these things unto them [while he talked about fasting at Matthew's table], behold, there came, { ^b cometh} ^c a man named Jairus, { ^b Jairus by name;} ^c and he was a ruler { ^b one of the rulers} of the synagogue [He was one of the board of elders which governed the synagogue at Capernaum. These elders were not necessarily old men--Matt. xix. 16-22; Luke xviii. 18-23], and seeing
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Paralytic at Capernaum.
^A Matt. IX. 2-8; ^B Mark II. 1-12; ^C Luke V. 17-26. ^c 17 And it came to pass on one of those days, ^b when he entered again into Capernaum after some days, ^c that he was teaching; ^b it was noised that he was in the house. [Luke uses the general expression "those days," referring to the early portion of our Lord's ministry in Galilee. Mark says, "some days," which implies the lapse of a considerable interval. The healing of the leper created such excitement that for some time, several weeks,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Lix. Healing Blind Men and a Dumb Demoniac.
(Probably Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IX. 27-34. ^a 27 And as Jesus passed by from thence [If construed strictly, this phrase means, as he departed from Jairus' house. But the phrase is indefinite], two blind men followed him, crying out, and saying, Have mercy on us, thou son of David. [This, among the Jews, was a common and thoroughly recognized name for the expected Messiah.] 28 And when he was come into the house [possibly Peter's. But the place is not important. The house is mentioned to show that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
^A Matt. IX. 35-38; X. 1, 5-42; XI. 1; ^B Mark VI. 6-13; ^C Luke IX. 1-6. ^b 6 And he ^a Jesus ^b went about ^a all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner sickness and all manner of sickness. [In the first circuit of Galilee some of the twelve accompanied Jesus as disciples (see [3]Section XXXIII.); in the second the twelve were with him as apostles; in the third they, too, are sent forth as evangelists to supplement
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Return to Capernaum - Concerning the Forgiveness of Sins - the Healing of the Paralysed
It is a remarkable instance of the reserve of the Gospel-narratives, that of the second journey of Jesus in Galilee no other special event is recorded than the healing of the leper. And it seems also to indicate, that this one miracle had been so selected for a special purpose. But if, as we have suggested, after the Unknown Feast,' the activity of Jesus assumed a new and what, for want of a better name, may be called an anti-Judaic character, we can perceive the reason of it. The healing of leprosy
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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