(Read Matthew 9:1-38
Introduction: This chapter continues to deal with the power
of the King, Jesus Christ. Jesus healed the "man sick
with palsy" (9:1-8). Notice that the man "arose,
and departed to his house" immediately. All the people who saw this were
astonished and they "glorified God." Jesus
explained that this was done that they might "know that the Son
of man has "power on earth to forgive sins." So many people fail to see
the REAL purpose of miracles: healing and various demonstration of His power which
establish, beyond doubt, His credentials! He healed the ruler's daughter (9:18, 23-26), a
woman with a "disease" (9:20- 22), two "blind men" (9:27-31). He cast out a demon (9:32- 35)
only to be falsely charged by the "Pharisees" that
He used the power of the devil to cast out the demons. He was "moved
with compassion" when He saw the miserable state of the multitude, "because they fainted and were scattered abroad as sheep having no
shepherd" (9:36). In this chapters, as well as in the previous Chapter(8) that
we studied, there are 10 cases where Jesus manifests his power to heal various sicknesses:
shows His power over nature: over evil spirits, etc. He
clearly established His claim of having the God of Heaven's stamp of approval! Jesus
pointed to the NEED for LABOR in order to harvest the souls of men for eternity (37-38).
He directed them to pray for more! In 9:9 we read that Jesus calls Matthew, the
author of the book, who says very little about himself. However, others have more to say about him (Mk. 2:14-17; Lk.
5:27-32). We see that He was criticized for his association with "publicans and sinners" (9:10-13). He explains that His
mission was (as a "physician") to heal the SICK who
NEED attention rather than those who need no
doctor. Of course the Truth is that ALL need His spiritual healing! However, until
one recognizes that fact, they will not
appreciate the GREAT PHYSICIAN! He is asked about "fasting"
(9:14-17) and questioned why He and His disciples didn't practice this as did the
Pharisees. He pointed to the aspect of mourning which was associated with this practice.
He tells Pharisees that it is inappropriate to mourn on joyous occasions, -- when they had
"the bridegroom with them." He then proceeds to
tell them that there would come a time when fasting and mourning would be practical and
appropriate! He also pointed to the change that was to take place between the OLD
and the NEW. That is, between the Old Law and the New Law (New Testament) To illustratet
this difference betwee the Old and New,He
uses two example: "sewing a new patch on old
garment" and "putting new wine in old bottles"
(9:16-17).
Questions:
1. Where did Jesus go and what did He do (9 :1-8)?
2. Which disciple is called and what are we told about him (9:9)? Who tells us more about
him?
3. In whose "house" was Jesus eating (9:9-13; Cf. Mk. 2:14ff; Lk. 5: 27-32)?
4. What does He say about fasting --why didn't He and His disciples didn't do as the
Pharisees (:14-17)?
5. What two people are healed in 9:18-26?
6. How was Jesus' power and divinity demonstrated (9:27-31)?
7. Over whom did Jesus show His power and thus God's approval (9:32-33)
8. Of what was He accused and by whom (9:34)?
9. What was Jesus doing in the "cities and villages" (9:35)?
10. What was Jesus' reaction to the "multitude" (9:36)?
11. What was needed and what instructions did He give His disciples concerning this
need (9:37-38)?