Tyndale Open Study NotesMatthew 9

Here, the kingdom of God appears with supernatural power (see Matthew 4:23–25; 11:2–6). It reaches people who were previously excluded from God's blessings. This included:

• non-Jewish people,

• lepers,

• blind people,

• sick women,

• people possessed by demons,

• tax collectors,

• those with long-term bleeding, and

• the dead.

Jesus showed compassion to people in need. But the religious leaders reacted with anger and opposition. Jesus called his followers to respond with faith and to walk in discipleship (living as his learners and followers).

There was debate and conflict among Jesus opponents. This included the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (Matthew 9:1–13), and also the disciples of John the Baptist (9:14–17).

Jesus lived in Capernaum (Mark 2:1). He seems to have moved there from Nazareth after the people of Nazareth rejected him (Matthew 4:13; Luke 4:16–31).

This man is blaspheming: Only God can forgive sins (Psalm 103:3; Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 50:20). The teachers of religious law failed to understand the mission of Jesus as God's Son who became human (Matthew 3:17; 11:25–27). As God's Messiah (1:1; 11:2–6), Jesus was saving humanity (8:17; 26:26–28).

It may seem easier for Jesus to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” since no one can see immediate proof. But it is much harder to heal a paralyzed man so that he can walk. The visible miracle proved that Jesus had the authority to forgive sins. It forced those who saw it to decide what they believed about him.

So that you may know: Jesus performed the miracle to demonstrate his authority and identity as God's Messiah (see Matthew 11:2–6; 12:28).

The crowd responded with fear and admiration because they realized a powerful truth about Jesus. He is truly the Son of God with the authority to forgive sins on earth (9:6).

Jesus, as Lord and Messiah, removed the obstacles that stopped righteous Jews from interacting with people considered ceremonially unclean or sinful.

Another name for the apostle Matthew was Levi (Mark 2:14). He might have had two names, or Jesus might have given him a new name.

The Jewish people hated Jewish tax collectors (Matthew 5:46–47; 18:15–20). This was because they worked with Roman rulers. Jews considered them traitors against Israel. Many also considered them ceremonially unclean because of their contact with Gentiles and the images on Roman coins.

Tax collection was a private business. In each area, Rome gave the right to collect taxes to the highest bidder (compare Luke 19:1–10). Collectors kept any money they gathered above their bid. Out of greed, they often used threats to get the money.

• I desire mercy, not sacrifice: Jesus applies this desire of God to eating with sinners. Jesus showed mercy by eating with them. This contrasted with the Pharisees who avoided sinners. They considered their avoidance to symbolize sacrifices.

• Jesus exposed the Pharisees' true spiritual state. The Pharisees considered themselves to be righteous. But they were actually unrighteous and needed the Messiah to save them (Matthew 7:1–5; 8:11–12; 19:30; 20:16; 21:43).

Fast: Fasting was a way to show humility and repentance before God (2 Samuel 12:16–23; Daniel 9:3). It also reminded the nation of their need to repent (Leviticus 16:29–31; Nehemiah 9:1). Some believed fasting would help bring the Messiah more quickly by purifying God’s people.

Jesus and his disciples did not fast (Matthew 11:18–19) This was a quiet but clear message: the Messiah had already come (see also 6:16).

• The guests of the bridegroom: John the Baptist described the Messiah and his disciples this way (John 3:29). He used Old Testament images to show who Jesus really was (see Matthew 25:1–13; Isaiah 54:5–6).

• taken away: This is the first prediction Jesus made about his violent death (see Matthew 16:21; 17:12, 22–23; 20:18–19; 26:2, 26–35; Isaiah 53:8).

• then they will fast: Jesus might be talking about the disciples' sadness right after his crucifixion, or their way of living after his death and resurrection (see Acts 9:9; 13:2–3; 14:23; 27:9, 33).

These short parables compare the new covenant (the promises between God and his people) that Jesus began (Matthew 6:26–29) with the old covenant. The comparison focuses especially on religious ceremonies like fasting. Jesus completes the law, but he does not cancel it (5:17–20; see Galatians 2:21; 5:4). At the same time, the new covenant brings new practices.

Jesus is the Messiah with limitless power. He invites people to trust in him.

• Place Your hand on her: Placing hands on someone is a visible sign of praying for God's power to help them. It often results in new life or ministries (Matthew 19:13; Numbers 27:18–23; Deuteronomy 34:9).

• The man believed Jesus could raise the dead (see 1 Kings 17:8–24; 2 Kings 4:18–37).

• Because of her constant bleeding, the woman was always considered ceremonially unclean. Anyone she touched was also unclean (Leviticus 15:25–30). But when she touched Jesus, instead of making him unclean, she was made clean. This surprising reversal shows the power to heal, redeem, and make holy (see Matthew 14:36; Mark 3:10).

• fringe: The tassels at the bottom of a tunic (Matthew 23:5; Numbers 15:37–41) reminded Jews to obey God's law.

Your faith has healed you (literally has saved you): Her physical healing showed her spiritual salvation (see Matthew 8:17).

the flute players and the noisy crowd: people publicly expressed their sorrow over a family member's death. This happened with music and laments by professional mourners. “Even the poorest in Israel should hire at least two flutes and one wailing woman” (Mishnah Ketubbot 4:4).

The girl had died, but Jesus said she was only asleep. He meant that she would soon be raised to life again (see Isaiah 26:19; John 11:11–14, 25; 1 Thessalonians 4:14).

• Eye diseases were common in ancient times. People often considered blindness as divine punishment (see Exodus 4:11; Deuteronomy 28:28; 2 Kings 6:18; John 9:2–3). The Old Testament prophesies that when the Messiah came he would restore sight to the blind (Matthew 11:4–5; Isaiah 29:18–19; 35:5–6).

• Son of David is a title connected to the Messiah and miraculous healings (see Matthew 1:1; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30–31; 2 Samuel 7:12–16).

Jesus asked the question to encourage the two men to express their faith in him.

The Messiah's actions inspire faith, surprise, and sometimes mocking rejection.

Healing the deaf so that they can hear, and the mute so that they can speak, is a sign of the kingdom of God (Matthew 11:4–5; Isaiah 35:5–6).

Jesus expands his ministry (see Matthew 4:23–9:34) by sending his disciples to other people in Israel (10:5–6). The instructions Jesus gives his disciples (10:5–42) emphasizes missionary work and the opposition and challenges they will encounter.

This verse links to the section that started in Matthew 4:23. Matthew has shown Jesus as the Messiah who teaches, preaches, heals, and expels demons. Jesus calls the people to make a decision to trust in him.

Like sheep without a shepherd: Jesus grieved the failure of the Pharisees to guide the people with care (see Matthew 12:11–12; 18:12). Their constant attacks against him showed their hard-hearted rejection of God. Because of this neglect and mistreatment, the crowds suffered greatly (10:5–6; 15:12–14; 23:4; Zechariah 11:16).

• Harvest refers to the great number of people who are ready to hear and respond to God’s message (see also Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43; Mark 4:26–29; John 4:35–38; Revelation 14:15–20).

• the Lord of the harvest: God is the true master of the harvest. All ministries are under his call (see Matthew 23:8–10, 13). So Jesus encourages his disciples to pray for God to send out more workers.