Continuing from Matthew 8, this chapter gives us a deeper understanding of the authority of Jesus. We are invited to journey with the disciples of Jesus as they discover “what sort of man is this?” (Matthew 8:27).
Jesus has authority over sin
v1-8 How do we know that Jesus has authority over sin? The paralytic is a symbol of how sin cripples us and leaves us in a state of helplessness. Jesus forgives the paralytic first because the greatest gift that Jesus offers is forgiveness. The paralytic had to receive forgiveness first before he could receive healing. Since sin is an inward condition, it is impossible to tell if Jesus really had authority over sin. So Jesus speaks two statements that are impossible according to human standards. The first is the power to forgive sin and the second to make a paralysed man walk. Jesus used a visible miracle as evidence that His had authority over sin.
Question for Bible Study
What do these verses teach us about the authority of Jesus?
v9-13 It would have shocked everyone when Jesus called Matthew to become His disciple. The Romans who were occupying Israel at that time employed Jews to collect taxes from the Jewish community. These tax collectors would often resort to extortion to enrich themselves. They were resented and viewed as traitors of the Jewish community. Matthew would have been stunned that Jesus would call an outcast to follow Him. Jesus makes it clear that you do not need to be perfect before you follow Him. On the contrary, Jesus is the only one who makes you worthy.
Jesus warns us of the dangers of self righteousness. We should never feel so confident in our righteousness that we no longer depend on the righteousness of Christ. Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 to teach the Pharisees that offering religious sacrifices does not make one righteous. On the contrary, the sacrifices point to Christ, the true sacrifice who makes sinners righteous.
Question for Bible Study
What type of people does Jesus call?
v14-17 Should Christians fast? The disciples of John the Baptist could not understand why the disciples of Jesus were not fasting. Jesus describes Himself as the bridegroom of the church (Ephesians 5:25). In the Old Testament, God is also described as a husband and Israel his wife (Isaiah 54:5). Jesus fasted and set an example for us about fasting (Matthew 4:2). The disciples did not need to fast when Jesus was with them, but we are called to fast until Jesus returns.
Jesus brought a total transformation to our understanding of religion and relationship with God. Our old mindset, practices and way of life must be radically altered and conformed to Christ alone.
Question for Bible Study
What do these verses teach us about being disciples?
Jesus has power over death
v18-26 This passage highlights that we must have faith to receiving healing. The position of the woman’s story in the middle of the narrative indicates its importance. The woman was healed because of who she put her faith in. The ruler came to Jesus with the right posture and with faith. The way Jesus responds shows us that He always made time for anyone in need. In Matthew 8:8, Jesus spoke and the centurion’s servant was healed. In this account, Jesus went to the ruler’s house to resurrect his daughter. The different ways that Jesus heals highlights how Jesus heals according to what we ask in faith. Jesus had to drive out the funeral players because of their unbelief. Jesus did not want their unbelief to break the ruler’s faith. We build an atmosphere of faith by surrounding ourselves with people who will strengthen our faith.
Question for Bible Study
What do these verses teach us about faith?
v27-34 Before Jesus healed the blind men, He made sure that they had faith. Jesus has the ability to heal, the only limiting factor is our faith. When we pray for ourselves or others, we must ask in faith. In the Bible physical blindness is also symbol of spiritual blindness. This reminds us that spiritual sight and revelation only comes through Jesus Christ. Jesus never calls attention to His power because He does not want people to come to Him only for healing. His desire is for people to enter the Kingdom of God and receive salvation.
The healing of the mute man highlights that there are sicknesses caused by demon-oppression. In Luke 13:11, Jesus also encounters a woman who had a disabling spirit for 18 years. The Pharisees see the mute man miraculously speak but are unable to recognise Jesus’ authority. Their spiritual blindness is contrasted with the blind men who were set free by Jesus..
v35-38 Jesus’ words in verse 36 is similar to Ezekiel 34:1-16. God is angry because the shepherds of Israel neither feed, care nor strengthen the sheep. Instead the shepherds have abandoned, neglected, and taken advantage of the sheep for their personal gain. God promises that He will personally seek, rescue and provide for all His sheep. This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ who is the good shepherd (John 10:11). The Pharisees failed to fulfil their duty as shepherds of God’s people. This is a warning to spiritual leaders in the church what we must be faithful shepherds.
Jesus highlights the urgency and magnitude of evangelism. We must continually pray this prayer because there are so many people who have never heard the Gospel. Prayer is the key to raising up more laborers. Jesus is calling you to go because people need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
Question for Bible Study
What do these verses teach us about our call as disciples?
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