Miracles and Mercy: Exploring the Healing Power and Call of Matthew (Matthew 9)

Executive Summary ✨

Matthew 9 overflows with the boundless compassion of Christ, demonstrating His divine authority through remarkable miracles and extending an unexpected call to Matthew, the tax collector. This chapter isn’t merely a collection of miraculous events; it’s a powerful revelation of God’s heart for the broken, the sick, and the outcast. From healing a paralytic and raising a dead girl to opening the eyes of the blind and casting out demons, Jesus confronts physical and spiritual ailments with equal force. The calling of Matthew, a figure despised by his own people, underscores the radical inclusivity of God’s grace, offering redemption and a new purpose to those deemed unworthy. Matthew 9 emphasizes that true faith lies not in rigid adherence to the law, but in recognizing and responding to the merciful love offered by the Messiah. This chapter continues to inspire believers to seek healing, offer compassion, and embrace the transformative power of Christ’s call in their own lives. The **Miracles and Mercy** offered in Matthew 9 continue to resonate today, challenging us to see as Christ sees and to act as Christ acts.

Matthew 9 presents us with a vibrant tapestry of Jesus’s ministry, highlighting His unmatched power over disease, death, and even societal norms. Through a series of extraordinary events, the chapter reveals the very nature of the Kingdom of Heaven: a realm where compassion reigns supreme, and where the unexpected is always possible. The chapter invites us to consider what we would do with such healing power at our disposal; perhaps we would start a new blog on WordPress Hosting and spread the good news!

Commentary Sections 📖

Matthew 9:1-8 – The Healing of the Paralytic

Matthew 9:1-8 (ESV): And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

This passage begins with Jesus returning to Capernaum, referred to as “his own city,” likely because it served as a base for His Galilean ministry. The paralytic’s healing isn’t merely a physical restoration; it’s intricately linked to the forgiveness of his sins. Jesus’ pronouncement, “Your sins are forgiven,” precedes the physical healing, highlighting the primacy of spiritual healing. The scribes’ accusation of blasphemy stems from their understanding that only God can forgive sins. Jesus then poses a crucial question: “Which is easier to say…?” It’s easier to *say* sins are forgiven, as it’s unverifiable. But to *prove* the authority to forgive sins through a visible miracle is a far greater claim. This act reveals Jesus’ divine authority, validating His claim to forgive sins. The crowd’s reaction of fear and glorification of God underscores the profound impact of witnessing such divine power.

St. Cyril of Alexandria comments on this passage, emphasizing the inseparable link between physical and spiritual healing: “Οὐ γὰρ σωματικὴν μόνον τῆς ἀρρωστίας τὴν λύσιν ἐδωρήσατο, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν ψυχικῶν αὐτῷ κακῶν τὴν ἄφεσιν ἐχαρίσατο.” (Ouk gar somatikēn monon tēs arrōstias tēn lysin edōrēsato, alla kai tōn psychikōn autō kakōn tēn aphesin echarisato. – “For He granted not only the release from bodily weakness, but also bestowed upon him the remission of his soul’s evils.”) (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Matthew*, Fragment 67). The paralytic’s story is a powerful reminder that true healing encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms. It illustrates the power of faith to overcome obstacles and the transformative nature of God’s forgiveness.

Reflect on the areas in your life where you need both physical and spiritual healing.
Consider the role of forgiveness in your own healing process, both forgiving others and seeking forgiveness for yourself.
Pray for the faith to believe in Jesus’ power to heal and transform your life.

Matthew 9:9-13 – The Calling of Matthew

Matthew 9:9-13 (ESV): As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector, a profession despised by the Jews as they were seen as collaborators with the Roman Empire and were often corrupt. Jesus’ call to Matthew is a radical act of grace and a challenge to societal norms. The phrase “Follow me” is a direct invitation to discipleship, demanding immediate obedience and a complete life change. Matthew’s immediate response, “he rose and followed him,” highlights the power of Jesus’ call and Matthew’s readiness to accept it. The subsequent meal with “many tax collectors and sinners” further emphasizes Jesus’ mission to reach the marginalized. The Pharisees’ criticism reveals their rigid adherence to the Law and their lack of understanding of God’s mercy. Jesus’ response, quoting Hosea 6:6 (“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice”), underscores the priority of compassion over ritualistic observance. He clarifies that His mission is to call sinners, not those who believe themselves to be righteous, further illustrating the all-encompassing nature of God’s love.

Origen of Alexandria, a prominent early Church Father, reflects on the significance of Jesus’ choice of disciples, stating: “Οὐ γὰρ τοὺς δικαίους ἐκάλεσεν, ἀλλὰ τοὺς ἁμαρτωλούς εἰς μετάνοιαν.” (Ou gar tous dikaious ekalesen, alla tous hamartōlous eis metanoian. – “For He called not the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”) (Origen, *Commentary on Matthew*, Book 10, Chapter 20). This is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and that true repentance leads to transformation. This is exemplified perfectly by Jesus’ choice of Matthew and the eventual publication of his Gospel! The call of Matthew is a testament to the fact that God’s love extends even to those considered outcasts by society.

Consider who the “tax collectors and sinners” are in your own community and how you can extend compassion to them.
Examine your own heart for any Pharisaical tendencies – judgmental attitudes or rigid adherence to rules without understanding the spirit of the law.
Reflect on the ways God is calling you to follow Him more closely, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone.

Matthew 9:14-17 – The Question About Fasting

Matthew 9:14-17 (ESV): Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Nor is new wine put into old wineskins. If one does, the skins burst and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

The disciples of John the Baptist, known for their strict asceticism, question why Jesus’ disciples don’t fast like they and the Pharisees do. Jesus responds with three analogies: the wedding feast, the unshrunk cloth, and the new wine. The wedding feast analogy emphasizes the joy and celebration that accompany the presence of the Messiah. It’s not a time for mourning or fasting. The analogy of the unshrunk cloth highlights the incompatibility of the old and the new covenants. Attempting to patch the old Law with the new grace of Christ will only result in further damage. The new wine and old wineskins analogy reinforces the same point. The new wine (the Gospel) cannot be contained within the rigid structures of the old Law (the old wineskins). Attempting to do so will lead to destruction. Instead, the new wine requires new wineskins – a transformed heart and a new way of understanding God’s relationship with humanity. Jesus’s teachings highlight a departure from legalistic ritualism, emphasizing a new era of grace and spiritual transformation.

St. John Chrysostom, a renowned preacher and theologian, comments on this passage, stating: “Οὐ γὰρ δεῖ τοὺς καιροὺς ἀγνοεῖν, ἀλλὰ τὸν καιρὸν τῆς νηστείας φυλάττειν.” (Ou gar dei tous kairous agnoein, alla ton kairon tēs nēsteias phylattein. – “For we must not be ignorant of the times, but observe the time for fasting.”) (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on Matthew*, Homily 31). The emphasis is on appropriate timing, understanding the right context for spiritual practices. Chrysostom’s words remind us that spiritual practices should be meaningful and contextually relevant, not merely empty rituals. God’s grace calls us to transform our hearts to be those “new wineskins” capable of holding His love.

Consider the appropriateness of different spiritual disciplines in different seasons of your life.
Be open to new ways of understanding and experiencing God’s grace, rather than clinging to rigid traditions.
Seek discernment to know when fasting and other ascetic practices are truly beneficial and when they may be hindering your spiritual growth.

Matthew 9:18-26 – Raising of Jairus’ Daughter and Healing of the Woman with Bleeding

Matthew 9:18-26 (ESV): While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went through all that district.

This section presents two intertwined miracles: the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead and the healing of the woman with a twelve-year bleeding disorder. Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, demonstrates his faith by kneeling before Jesus and pleading for his daughter’s life, even after she has died. The woman with the bleeding disorder, suffering for twelve years, embodies quiet faith. She believes that even touching the fringe of Jesus’ garment will heal her. Her act demonstrates deep humility and unwavering trust in Jesus’ power. Jesus affirms her faith, declaring, “Your faith has made you well.” This highlights the vital role of faith in receiving God’s healing. At Jairus’ house, Jesus’ declaration that the girl is “not dead but sleeping” is met with ridicule. This emphasizes the contrast between human perception and divine reality. By taking the girl’s hand, Jesus demonstrates His authority over death, restoring her to life. The spread of the report throughout the district underscores the transformative impact of these miracles, solidifying Jesus’s reputation as a miracle worker.

St. Athanasius, the great defender of the Nicene Creed, speaks of the power of faith to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, stating: “Ἡ πίστις γὰρ πάντα δυνατὰ ποιεῖ.” (Hē pistis gar panta dynata poiei. – “For faith makes all things possible.”) (Athanasius, *Against the Heathen*, Book 1, Chapter 3). Athanasius’ affirmation highlights the boundless potential unleashed by unwavering faith in God’s power. These two healing miracles remind us of the power of faith, even in the face of death. The woman with the bleeding and Jairus the ruler each had faith, and they were both rewarded for it!

Reflect on the times in your life when you felt hopeless and doubted God’s ability to intervene.
Identify areas where you can strengthen your faith and trust in God’s power.
Pray for the faith to believe that God can perform miracles in your life and in the lives of others.

Matthew 9:27-31 – Healing the Two Blind Men

Matthew 9:27-31 (ESV): And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he had entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

The two blind men, recognizing Jesus as the “Son of David,” demonstrate their belief in His messianic identity and His ability to heal them. Their persistent cries for mercy highlight their desperation and unwavering faith. Jesus questions them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” This question emphasizes the importance of personal faith in receiving healing. Their affirmation, “Yes, Lord,” expresses their complete trust in Jesus’ power. Jesus’ touch is the physical manifestation of His healing power. He declares, “According to your faith be it done to you,” reinforcing the connection between faith and healing. Despite Jesus’ stern warning to remain silent, they spread His fame throughout the district. This underscores the irresistible power of witnessing a miracle and the natural desire to share the good news. This miracle reinforces the importance of faith in receiving God’s grace and the power of witnessing divine intervention.

St. Augustine of Hippo, a great theologian and philosopher, reflects on the importance of inner sight and understanding, stating: “Intellige, ut credas; crede, ut intelligas.” (Intellige, ut credas; crede, ut intelligas. – “Understand, that you may believe; believe, that you may understand.”) (Augustine, *Sermons*, Sermon 43, Chapter 4). Augustine emphasizes that belief and understanding are intertwined, each strengthening the other. The blind men’s faith preceded their physical sight, revealing a deeper spiritual understanding of Jesus’ messianic identity. Spiritual vision can be just as important as physical vision, if not more so!

Reflect on the areas in your life where you need spiritual “sight” to understand God’s will and purpose.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your faith through prayer, study, and reflection.
Ask God to open your eyes to see His presence and power in your everyday life.

Matthew 9:32-34 – Healing the Mute Man

Matthew 9:32-34 (ESV): As they were going away, behold, a mute man was brought to him, a demon-oppressed man. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

This passage describes the healing of a mute man, whose condition is attributed to demon possession. The casting out of the demon is the direct cause of the man’s restored speech. The crowds’ astonishment at this miracle (“Never was anything like this seen in Israel”) highlights the unprecedented nature of Jesus’ power. However, the Pharisees, rather than acknowledging Jesus’ divine authority, attribute His power to demonic forces (“He casts out demons by the prince of demons”). This accusation reveals their hardened hearts and their unwillingness to accept Jesus as the Messiah. It demonstrates the spiritual blindness that can prevent people from recognizing God’s work, even when it is clearly displayed before them. It is an all-too-common occurrence, that even when faced with blatant miracles, men still refuse to see God at work in the world.

St. Gregory of Nyssa, a prominent Cappadocian Father, emphasizes the struggle between good and evil and the power of Christ to overcome demonic forces, stating: “Τὸ κακὸν οὐκ ἔχει ἰδίαν ὑπόστασιν, ἀλλ’ ἐστὶν ἔκλειψις τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ.” (To kakon ouk echei idian hypostasin, all’ estin ekleipsis tou agathou. – “Evil does not have its own existence, but is a privation of good.”) (Gregory of Nyssa, *On the Soul and the Resurrection*, PG 46:101C). Gregory’s words remind us that evil is not an independent entity, but rather a deficiency or absence of good. Christ’s power over demons demonstrates the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the restoration of wholeness in those who are oppressed. The man that was unable to speak now can, thanks to God’s healing power!

Reflect on the ways in which demonic forces may be at work in your own life or in the world around you.
Seek God’s protection and deliverance from evil through prayer and spiritual warfare.
Be mindful of the potential for spiritual blindness and cultivate a humble and open heart to recognize God’s work in the world.

Matthew 9:35-38 – The Compassion of Jesus and the Need for Workers

Matthew 9:35-38 (ESV): And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

This concluding section summarizes Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, highlighting His teaching, preaching, and healing activities. His compassion for the crowds stems from their spiritual and physical vulnerability, likening them to “sheep without a shepherd.” This underscores the need for guidance, protection, and care. Jesus’ statement, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” emphasizes the urgency of the mission and the need for more disciples to join in the work of evangelism. The call to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” is a direct invitation to participate in God’s mission. This concludes the chapter, imploring us to seek out opportunities for ministry and service within our local communities.

St. Basil the Great, a leading figure in the development of monasticism, emphasized the importance of active service to others as an expression of Christian faith, stating: “Οὐ γὰρ ἑαυτῷ ζῇ, ἀλλὰ τῷ πλησίον, ὁ πιστός.” (Ou gar heautō zē, alla tō plēsion, ho pistos. – “For the faithful one does not live for himself, but for his neighbor.”) (Basil the Great, *The Longer Rules*, Rule 7). Basil’s words underscore the selflessness and compassion that should characterize the life of a believer. This reminds us that Christian life is not just about personal salvation, but also about actively serving and caring for those in need. This is the essence of the Gospel, spreading light and love to the world.

Identify the needs in your own community and consider how you can contribute to meeting those needs.
Pray for God to raise up more workers for the harvest and to guide you in your own role in His mission.
Cultivate a spirit of compassion and empathy for those who are suffering, remembering that you are called to be a shepherd to those in need.

Subtopic Sections 💡

The Nature of Faith in Matthew 9

Matthew 9 showcases various expressions of faith, from the paralytic’s friends who brought him to Jesus to the woman who touched His garment. These diverse acts of faith reveal the transformative power of belief in action. Faith is not simply an intellectual assent but a dynamic force that compels us to seek healing, forgiveness, and restoration.

Faith is active, not passive: It requires effort and a willingness to step out in trust.
Faith is personal and relational: It involves a direct connection with Jesus and a belief in His ability to meet our needs.
Faith is transformative: It leads to healing, forgiveness, and a new way of living.
Faith is contagious: It inspires others to believe and seek Jesus for themselves.

The Authority of Jesus

The miracles performed in Matthew 9 unequivocally demonstrate Jesus’ authority over disease, death, and demonic forces. He forgives sins, heals the sick, raises the dead, and casts out demons. This authority is not merely a display of power; it is a revelation of His divine identity as the Son of God and the Messiah.

Jesus’ authority extends to both the physical and spiritual realms.
His authority is rooted in His divine identity as the Son of God.
His authority is exercised with compassion and love.
His authority challenges societal norms and expectations.

The Importance of Mercy

Throughout Matthew 9, Jesus prioritizes mercy over legalistic observance. He calls Matthew, a tax collector, to be His disciple and eats with “tax collectors and sinners.” He emphasizes that God desires mercy, not sacrifice. This underscores the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and inclusivity in the Kingdom of God.

Mercy is a central characteristic of God’s nature.
Mercy extends to those who are marginalized and outcast.
Mercy challenges legalistic and judgmental attitudes.
Mercy is essential for reconciliation and restoration.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about the themes and messages of Matthew 9:

Q: Why did Jesus choose to call Matthew, a tax collector, as a disciple?

A: Jesus’ choice of Matthew demonstrates the radical inclusivity of God’s grace. It challenges societal norms and highlights the transformative power of forgiveness and redemption. He came to call sinners, not the righteous, offering a new path to those who were considered outcasts.
Q: What is the significance of Jesus eating with “tax collectors and sinners”?

A: This act signifies Jesus’ willingness to associate with those who were marginalized and despised by society. It demonstrates His compassion and His commitment to reaching out to those in need of forgiveness and healing. It was not condoning their sin, but extending His love to them in the process.
Q: How does Matthew 9 challenge the notion of salvation by works?

A: The miracles performed in Matthew 9 highlight the power of faith in receiving God’s grace. While good works are important, they are not the basis for salvation. Rather, salvation is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Good works and faith go hand-in-hand!
Q: What are some practical ways to apply the teachings of Matthew 9 to my life today?

A: We can apply the teachings of Matthew 9 by cultivating compassion for others, practicing forgiveness, and seeking to reach out to those who are marginalized in our own communities. We can also strive to strengthen our faith and trust in God’s power to heal and transform our lives. And also, maybe, you could think about creating your own blog with DoHost.

Conclusion ✨

Matthew 9 reveals the heart of the Gospel: a message of **Miracles and Mercy** offered to all who believe. It demonstrates Jesus’ authority over disease, death, and demonic forces, and His unwavering compassion for the broken and the marginalized. The chapter calls us to examine our own hearts, to cultivate compassion for others, and to embrace the transformative power of faith. It reminds us that God desires mercy, not sacrifice, and that He is always willing to extend His grace to those who seek Him. Like Matthew, we are called to follow Jesus, leaving behind our old ways of life and embracing a new path of discipleship. We should also remember to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

Tag: Matthew 9

Matthew 9 – Miracles of Healing and the Calling of Matthew