Matthew chapter 9 continues to reveal Jesus’ divine authority through His miracles, teachings, and interactions with people from all walks of life. In this chapter, we see His power to forgive sins, heal the sick, call sinners to follow Him, and restore life. Each event emphasizes faith and challenges us to respond to Jesus with trust and obedience.
The chapter opens with Jesus healing a paralyzed man. Some people bring the man to Jesus, demonstrating their faith in His power. Instead of healing him immediately, Jesus says,
- “Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven.”
This shocks the scribes, who accuse Jesus of blasphemy, since only God can forgive sins. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus responds,
- “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?”
To prove His authority to forgive sins, Jesus tells the man to get up and walk—and he does. The crowd is amazed and glorifies God. This miracle teaches us that Jesus’ power extends beyond physical healing; He is the one who can heal our deepest need—the need for forgiveness.
Next, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society, seen as traitors working for the Roman government. Yet, Jesus does not hesitate to call Matthew, who immediately leaves everything behind. Later, when Jesus is dining with tax collectors and sinners, the Pharisees question why He associates with such people. Jesus responds,
- “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
This powerful statement reminds us that Jesus’ mission is not to congratulate those who believe themselves righteous but to invite sinners into a life of transformation. It challenges us to extend mercy rather than judgment.
John the Baptist’s disciples then ask Jesus why His disciples do not fast like they do. Jesus answers with an analogy:
- “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them?”
He explains that fasting is appropriate in times of longing and sorrow, but while He is present, it is a time of joy. He also shares two metaphors—a new patch on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins—illustrating that His message is not just a reform of old traditions but something entirely new.
As Jesus speaks, a ruler comes and kneels before Him, pleading,
- “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
Jesus follows the man, and on the way, a woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years touches the hem of His garment, believing she will be healed. Jesus turns and reassures her,
- “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.”
At that moment, she is healed. This miracle highlights the power of faith—she believed even without asking Jesus directly, and her faith led to her healing.
When Jesus arrives at the ruler’s house, He finds mourners weeping. He tells them,
- “Make room, because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.”
They laugh at Him, but Jesus takes the girl by the hand, and she rises. News of this miracle spreads everywhere, confirming that Jesus has power even over death.
Two blind men then follow Jesus, crying out,
- “Have mercy on us, son of David!”
Jesus asks if they believe He can heal them, and they reply,
- “Yes, Lord.”
Because of their faith, He touches their eyes, and they regain their sight. He warns them not to tell anyone, but they spread the news anyway.
After this, Jesus casts out a demon from a mute man, allowing him to speak. The crowd marvels, but the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan. This accusation reveals their hardened hearts—they witness miracles yet refuse to believe.
As the chapter concludes, Jesus continues traveling through cities and villages, preaching the gospel and healing all kinds of sickness. Seeing the crowds, He is moved with compassion, because
- “They were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.”
He then tells His disciples,
- “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
This call remains relevant today. Jesus’ mission is vast, and He invites us to take part in spreading His message and showing His love to the world.
Matthew 9 is a chapter filled with examples of faith and the power of Jesus to transform lives. We see a paralytic healed and forgiven, a tax collector called to follow, a woman healed by faith, a girl raised from the dead, the blind given sight, and the mute enabled to speak. Each miracle not only demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority but also reveals His heart—He responds to those who come to Him in faith.
The chapter also challenges us. Do we, like the woman with the issue of blood, reach out to Jesus in faith? Do we, like Matthew, leave everything behind to follow Him? Do we show mercy, as Jesus commands, rather than judging others? And are we willing to be workers in God’s harvest, spreading His good news?
Ultimately, Matthew 9 reminds us that Jesus is not just a healer or a teacher—He is the Son of God, with authority to forgive, restore, and call us into a new way of life. All He asks in return is faith and a willingness to follow Him.