Matthew 9

Matthew 9 continues to highlight Jesus’ authority and ministry. Back in Capernaum, friends bring a paralyzed man to Him. Seeing their faith, Jesus forgives the man’s sins, prompting scribes to accuse Him of blasphemy. To prove His authority to forgive, Jesus heals the man, who rises and walks, amazing the crowd. Next, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. At Matthew’s house, Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners, defending this to the Pharisees by saying, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

When John the Baptist’s disciples ask why Jesus’ disciples don’t fast, He compares Himself to a bridegroom—while He’s present, fasting isn’t needed, but it will come later. Jesus then heals a woman who had bled for 12 years; she touches His cloak in faith and is instantly cured. He also raises a synagogue leader’s daughter from death, astonishing those who had mourned her.

Two blind men follow Jesus, crying out for mercy. He heals them, confirming their faith, but warns them to keep it quiet (though they spread the news). Finally, He casts a demon out of a mute man, who then speaks, leaving the crowds marveling that “nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel,” while Pharisees claim He works by demonic power.

The chapter ends with Jesus traveling through towns, teaching, preaching the kingdom, and healing. Moved by the crowds’ need, like “sheep without a shepherd,” He tells His disciples to pray for more workers for the harvest.

Main takeaway: Matthew 9 shows Jesus’ power to heal, forgive, and restore, His compassion for the lost, and His call to sinners, amid growing opposition from religious leaders.