Matthew Chapter 9 — Miracles and the Call of Matthew
Jesus performs several miracles, including healing a paralytic and raising a girl from the dead, while calling Matthew the tax collector to follow Him.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Matthew 9:12-13
“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 verse defines Jesus' redemptive mission and His focus on the spiritual needs of those outside the religious establishment.
Matthew 9:22
“But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.”
It emphasizes that faith is a vital component in the personal reception of God's healing and grace.
Matthew 9:37-38
“Then he said to 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 is a key command from Jesus regarding the urgent need for people to serve in spreading the Good News.
Chapter Summary
Matthew Chapter 9 recounts a series of significant miracles and teachings in the ministry of Jesus. It begins in His own city, where He heals a paralyzed man after first declaring that the man's sins are forgiven. This act prompts a confrontation with scribes regarding His authority. Following this, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to be His disciple, which leads to further tension with the Pharisees as Jesus eats with 'sinners.' Jesus responds by emphasizing His mission to the sick rather than the healthy. The chapter continues with a ruler seeking help for his deceased daughter and a woman with a long-term illness being healed by touching Jesus' garment. After raising the girl from the dead, Jesus restores sight to two blind men and enables a mute man to speak. The chapter concludes with Jesus looking upon the crowds with compassion, describing them as sheep without a shepherd, and urging His disciples to pray for more laborers for the spiritual harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jesus forgave the man's sins to demonstrate that He possesses divine authority on earth. By subsequently healing the man physically, He proved to the skeptical scribes that His words of forgiveness were just as powerful and valid as His miracles.
Matthew was a tax collector, a profession often despised by Jewish society at the time. By calling him, Jesus showed that His message of repentance and discipleship was open to all, regardless of their social standing or past reputation.
Quoting the prophet Hosea, Jesus explains that God values a heart of compassion and genuine love for others more than the outward performance of religious rituals or legalistic traditions.
Study Note
The metaphor of new wine in old wineskins suggests that the grace and spirit of Jesus' new covenant cannot be contained within the rigid structures of the old legalistic system.
Related Chapters
Hosea 6
Jesus references the teachings of Hosea when explaining the priority of mercy over sacrifice.
Mark 2
This chapter contains a parallel account of the healing of the paralytic and the calling of the tax collector.
Luke 8
Luke 8 provides another perspective on Jesus raising the ruler's daughter and healing the woman with the issue of blood.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.