Introduction
In Jesus’ calling and ministry, we see Jesus continue His work of healing, teaching, and transforming lives. This chapter highlights Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, His compassion for the marginalized, and His invitation for people to follow Him. Through these stories, we gain insight into the heart of Jesus’ ministry and His desire to bring restoration and hope to a broken world.
The chapter begins with Jesus healing a paralyzed man. “Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven'” (Matthew 9:2). This statement astonished the onlookers, especially the teachers of the law, who thought to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” (Matthew 9:3). Jesus, knowing their thoughts, responds by demonstrating His authority: “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Matthew 9:5-6). He then tells the paralyzed man to get up, and the man is healed.
This miracle reveals Jesus’ authority not only to heal but also to forgive sins. It underscores His divine identity as the Son of God, who has the power to bring both physical and spiritual healing. The crowd is filled with awe, praising God for giving such authority to man (Matthew 9:8).
Calling of Matthew
Another significant moment in Jesus’ calling and ministry is the calling of Matthew, the tax collector. “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him” (Matthew 9:9). Tax collectors were despised by society, seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors and often accused of extortion. Yet, Jesus calls Matthew to be His disciple, demonstrating His willingness to reach out to those considered outcasts.
Later, Jesus dines at Matthew’s house, where many tax collectors and sinners join Him. When the Pharisees see this, they ask His disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11). Jesus responds, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-13). Jesus’ words emphasize His mission to seek and save the lost, offering mercy and grace to those in need of redemption.
Healing of the Woman and Raising of the Dead
Matthew 9 also recounts the story of a woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years. She approaches Jesus in faith, thinking, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed” (Matthew 9:21). Jesus turns to her and says, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you” (Matthew 9:22), and she is instantly healed. This miracle highlights the power of faith and Jesus’ compassion for those who are suffering.
Immediately following this event, Jesus is approached by a synagogue leader whose daughter has died. Jesus goes to the leader’s house, takes the girl by the hand, and she gets up (Matthew 9:25). This act of raising the dead demonstrates Jesus’ power over life and death, further affirming His divine authority. The news of these miracles spreads throughout the region, drawing more people to witness and experience Jesus’ ministry.
Healing the Blind and the Mute
Another key aspect of Jesus’ calling and ministry is the healing of two blind men. They follow Jesus, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” (Matthew 9:27). Jesus asks if they believe He can heal them, and when they affirm their faith, He touches their eyes and says, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29). Their sight is restored, and Jesus warns them not to tell anyone, but they spread the news anyway.
Jesus also heals a man who was demon-possessed and mute. When the demon is driven out, the man speaks, and the crowd is amazed, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel” (Matthew 9:33). However, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of driving out demons by the power of the prince of demons, showing their unwillingness to accept His authority and power.
The Compassion of Jesus
Matthew 9 concludes with a summary of Jesus’ ministry: “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness” (Matthew 9:35). Jesus is moved with compassion when He sees the crowds, “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). He then tells His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).
This passage highlights Jesus’ deep compassion for people and His desire for more workers to join in the mission of spreading the gospel. Jesus sees the needs of the people and calls His followers to be part of the solution, to bring hope and healing to those who are lost and in need.
The Importance of Faith
Throughout Jesus’ calling and ministry, we see the importance of faith in receiving healing and experiencing transformation. Whether it is the faith of the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus, the faith of the bleeding woman who touched His cloak, or the faith of the blind men who cried out for mercy, faith plays a crucial role in each miracle. Jesus consistently responds to those who approach Him with faith, demonstrating that trust in Him is key to experiencing His power.
Faith is not just about believing in Jesus’ ability to perform miracles; it is about trusting in His character, His compassion, and His authority. The stories in Matthew 9 remind us that Jesus is not limited by physical ailments, social status, or even death. He has the power to bring healing and restoration to every aspect of our lives, and He invites us to approach Him with the same faith and trust that we see in these accounts.
The Call to Follow Jesus
The calling of Matthew serves as a powerful example of Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, regardless of one’s past or social standing. Matthew, a tax collector, was considered a sinner and an outcast, yet Jesus saw potential in him and called him to be His disciple. Matthew’s immediate response to leave everything and follow Jesus is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus’ call.
Jesus’ willingness to associate with tax collectors and sinners also challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward those who are marginalized or looked down upon by society. Jesus did not come for the righteous, but for sinners—for those who recognize their need for Him. As followers of Jesus, we are called to extend the same grace and compassion to others, inviting them into a relationship with Him regardless of their background.
Conclusion
Jesus’ calling and ministry provide a powerful glimpse into His heart for humanity. Through the healing of the paralyzed man, the calling of Matthew, the restoration of the sick, and the raising of the dead, Jesus demonstrates His authority over sin, sickness, and even death. His compassion for the marginalized and His invitation for people to follow Him reveal the inclusive nature of His ministry and His desire to bring hope and transformation to all.
As we reflect on Matthew 9, may we be inspired by Jesus’ example of love, compassion, and authority. Let us respond to His call to follow Him, trust in His power to heal and restore, and join Him in the mission of bringing the good news of the kingdom to those who are in need. May we also be moved with compassion for the harassed and helpless, praying for more workers to join in the harvest and being willing to be part of the solution ourselves.
Jesus’ ministry in Matthew 9 is a reminder that He is the ultimate healer, the compassionate shepherd, and the one who calls each of us to follow Him. He sees our needs, our brokenness, and our potential, and He invites us to experience the fullness of life that comes through faith in Him. Let us embrace His calling, trust in His authority, and be agents of His love and grace in the world.
