The Book of Matthew

Chapter 9

[1] And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. [2] And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. [3] And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. [4] And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? [5] For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? [6] But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. [7] And he arose, and departed to his house. [8] But when the multitude saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Verse 1  Expanded Bible Comments

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
Question	Answer
What does it mean: "He.. passed over?"	He got into the ship and passed over the Sea of Galilee.
Came to his own city - What city was that?	Capernaum. Please see Mark's account of this in Mark 2:1-12.

Verse 2  Expanded Bible Comments

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Question	Answer
Who did they bring to Jesus?	A man with palsy.
What were the circumstances of this event?	According to the same account in Mark and Luke, those who brought the man uncovered the roof and let him down through the tiling.
What did Jesus tell him?	To be of good cheer because his sins were forgiven.
What prompted Jesus to say this?	"Jesus seeing their faith said.."

Verse 3  Expanded Bible Comments

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
Question	Answer
What did some of the scribes say?	Actually they said nothing aloud. It was only what they thought ("said within themselves",) i.e., "This man blasphemes."

Verses 4-6  Expanded Bible Comments

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? [5] For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? [6] But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Question	Answer
What did Jesus say?	Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?
What was the next question Jesus asked of the scribes?	Is it easier to forgive sins or to heal the sinner?
What was the implication of this question?	That sickness (in this case "the palsy") is caused by sin. If the sins could be removed, so could the sickness. The Jews were familiar with this concept. They knew the promise of the law was that the man who kept God's commandments would live (Lev. 18:5; Deu. 4:1; 8:1; Rom. 10:5.) This clearly indicated that if one does not keep God's commandments they will not live. Since sickness is part of the dying process they easily made the connection between sin and sickness (or other physical imperfections, handicaps.) Compare John 9:2.
This leads to another question: Does this mean that this man was now perfect, without sin?	His sins were forgiven, i.e., he was justified (by his faith - remember verse 2.) This did not make him perfect but rather gave him a standing with God, much like that of Abraham. Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:6; James 2:23; John 8:56
Another question arose during meeting: Does the fact that this man's sins were forgiven mean that he became a follower of Jesus or, if not, would be of the Ancient Worthy class?	No. His sins being forgiven would have given him the standing before God as a friend, much like Abraham (see previous comments.) We should remember there are other cases of sins being forgiven by Jesus which did not result in one becoming a follower. - See Luke 17:12-19.
What did Jesus say next?	"That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins.."
What did he then do?	He told the man stricken with palsy to get up and walk.

Verse 7  Expanded Bible Comments

And he arose, and departed to his house.
Question	Answer
What happened next?	He got up and went to his house.

Verse 8  Expanded Bible Comments

But when the multitude saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
Question	Answer
How did the multitude react?	They were amazed and they glorified God.
What was the reaction of the scribes?	We are not told. The sad part is that it is difficult to find any place where the scribes or the Pharisees were ever moved to praise God for any of the miracles Jesus performed.

[9] And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

[10] And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. [11] And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? [12] But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. [13] But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

Verse 9  Expanded Bible Comments

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
Question	Answer
Who did Jesus see?	Matthew.
What was this man's occupation?	Tax-collector.
What did Jesus say to him?	Follow me.
How did the man respond?	He followed Jesus.

Verses 10, 11  Expanded Bible Comments

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. [11] And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
Question	Answer
What was Jesus doing?	Having a meal "in the house."
Whose house were they in?	Matthew's house. Luke 5:29
Who were publicans?	Tax-collectors.
Aren't all sinners? Who was meant by "sinners" in this verse?	Those who did not claim to be keepers of the law (as did the Pharisees.)
What did the Pharisees ask Jesus' disciples?	Why does Jesus eat with publicans and sinners?
Why did they ask such a question? What were they implying?	These were considered by them (in their vanity) to be "unclean" and thus to be avoided. They were implying that Jesus must not really be righteous or he would know what type of people these were and avoid them. – See also R4587.

Verses 12,13  Expanded Bible Comments

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. [13] But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
Question	Answer
What did Jesus say about the sick?	They are the ones who are in need of a good doctor.
What did he tell the Pharisees to do?	Go, study where the Lord (through the prophet) said "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice." Then consider the meaning of that expression.
From where was Jesus quoting?	Hos. 6:6. See also Mic. 6:7,8.
Why did Jesus only quote part of the verse?	There are several reasons. 1. The Bible was not then broken down into chapter and verse as it is today. 2. He was giving them the most important part of the verse as it applied to the situation. 3. He wanted them to not only look up the text so they could verify the accuracy of what he was saying, but also they needed to see the context and learn from that as well.
Was he giving the Pharisees a lesson, if so, what?	Yes. He was directing them to the context. Not only was He telling them that the letter of the law is not enough. He was indicating the spirit was more important, and by giving heed to God's characteristic of mercy and prayerfully considering the meaning of the text, they could gain "the knowledge of God."
Was this lesson for the Pharisees only, if not, for who else was the lesson intended?	Right now it is intended for us. If we really want to know the Truth, we need to become intimately acquainted with both the Father and His Son. In the future the lesson will be for all the world of mankind. They too will need to learn of God's loving character and embrace it and do their best to make it their character too as they walk up the highway of holiness.
What did Jesus mean when he said "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners?"	R2260:8

[14] Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? [15] And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. [16] No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. [17] Neither do men put new wine into old wine-skins: else the wine-skins break, and the wine runneth out, and the wine-skins perish: but they put new wine into new wine-skins, and both are preserved.

Verse 14  Expanded Bible Comments

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
Question	Answer
What question was asked?	Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
Who asked it?	The disciples of John the Baptist.
Of whom did they ask it?	Jesus.
What seems to have been behind the question?	Please see NS153 (top). They likely considered fasting to be a sign of repentance and desire to be closer to God. – Fasting was also a sign of mourning.

Verse 15  Expanded Bible Comments

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
Question	Answer
Who are "the children of the bridechamber?"	The true followers of Jesus Christ.
What has the question of fasting have to do with these children mourning?	Fasting was then, and still is today, a sign of mourning.
Why was it they did not practice fasting at that time?	Because the "bridegroom" – Jesus - was with them.
When will they fast?	When Jesus (the bridegroom) was taken away, i.e., from his being taken in Gethsemane until he appeared to them after His resurrection.

Verses 16-17  Expanded Bible Comments

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. [17] Neither do men put new wine into old wine-skins: else the wine-skins break, and the wine runneth out, and the wine-skins perish: but they put new wine into new wine-skins, and both are preserved.
Question	Answer
Please see R4987:12-15 "The Church a New Creation"
What is pictured by the old garment?	At the first advent: The old Jewish church-nation system. At the second advent: The old Christian church-state system (Christendom.)
What is pictured by the new cloth?	At the first advent: The new light of the Gospel of Christ and presence of Messiah. At the second advent: The new light of the Gospel of Christ and the second presence of Messiah.
What is "taken from the garment" and how does this make the rip worse?	In those days they did not have the fabric glues available today. Because the patch had to be sown on to the old garment, part of that garment would have to be used, and because of the difference between the worn out and the new piece, it would create a greater tear.
What is pictured by the new wine?	The new light of Present Truth - at both the first and second advents of our Lord.
What is pictured by the old wine-skins?	The old Jewish church-state organizations at the 1st advent. The old "Christian" church-state organizations (so-called Christendom) at the 2nd advent.
Why would the wine-skins break and what does this picture?	In a literal sense, old wine-skins had no elasticity remaining. So to put new wine (which may ferment and thus expand a bit) would cause the old to break.
What happens to the wine?	It would then spill out.
What happens to the wine-skins?	It would expand because it still has elasticity.
What is pictured by the new wine-skins?	New Creatures in Christ.
If the new wine is put into new wine-skins, what happens to the old and new wine-skins?	The old is ruined and good for nothing. The new will be preserved.
What lessons do we get from all this?	Please read C159:3-160:3
What is meant by "they put new wine into new wine-skins, and both are preserved."	We should be clear. If you put new wine (which will ferment and thus expand) into the old wine-skins, it bursts the old skins, the wine runs out and the old skins are now useless. Instead you put new wine into new skins (which have the ability to expand as the wine ferments) and both (the new wine and the new wine-skins) are preserved.

[18] While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. [19] And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. [20] And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: [21] For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. [22] But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. [23] And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, [24] He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. [25] But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. [26] And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

Verses 18,19  Expanded Bible Comments

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. [19] And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.
Question	Answer
Where were they when this part of the account began?	It appears they were still at Matthew's house. "While he spake these things.. there came a certain ruler.."
Who was this ruler?	Jairus.
What kind of a ruler was he?	The ruler of a synagogue. Mark 5:22; Luke 8:41
In what manner did this ruler approach Jesus?	He fell at his feet and worshipped him. Compare with the two verses mantioned above.
What did he say to Jesus?	By comparing the accounts we come up with the following: "My daughter was at the point of death when I left her to come to you and is likely now dead, but if you come and lay your hand upon her she shall live." Mark 5:23; Luke 8:41-42
What character traits did Jairus display?	Faith that his daughter would be healed. Even though Jairus was "a ruler of a synagogue" he was at least humble enough to come to Jesus and ask for his help. He also displayed the natural love of a father for his only daughter.
What happened next?	Jesus and his disciples followed Jairus.

Verses 20-22  Expanded Bible Comments

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: [21] For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. [22] But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Question	Answer
Please read Mark 3:13-19
What was the ailment the woman had and for how long?	An issue of blood (a period) lasting 12 years!
What happened to the woman during that time?	She spent all she had on physicians and condition became worse. Mark 5:26; Luke 8:43
What did she do?	Snuck up behind Jesus and touched the hem of his garment.
Why did she do this?	She knew that Jesus was a man of God who healed people. So she thought that she would be healed even if she could but touch his garment.
What happened to the woman?	She was healed.
What happened to Jesus?	Virtue (power, force, strength) went out of Him. The Greek word here translated as "virtue" is Strong's 1411 G1411 δύναμις dunamis doo'-nam-is From G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself): - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work. In other words, His vital force or energy (or, as Br. Russell stated it: "vitality") was (to a noticable extent) drained from him.
What did Jesus say?	"Who touched my clothes?" Mark 5:30
What was the reaction of His disciples and why?	He was surrounded by a "multitude" who were crowding around him (trying to touch him so that they too might me healed.) Mark 5:31; Luke 8:45
What happened next?	After realizing that her act (of touching Jesus' clothes) was known, she came forward and explained what she did and that she had been healed. Mark 5:33; Luke 8:47
What did Jesus then say?	Daughter .. thy faith hath saved thee.

[23] And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, [24] He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. [25] But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. [26] And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

Verses 23-26  Expanded Bible Comments

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, [24] He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. [25] But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. [26] And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
Please read parallel accounts in Mark 5:35-43; Luke 8:49-56
Question	Answer
Where did Jesus go?	He went with Jairus to his house.
What was going on when he got there?	The minstrels (hired mourners) and others were making their tumult, indicating the child had died. R2617:9; R4588
What did Jesus say to Jairus?	Do not be afraid, only believe. Mark 5:36; Luke 8:50
What did Jesus tell the others tho were there?	The girl is not dead but sleeping. Mark 5:39; Luke 8:52
Is there a lesson here for us when dealing with the mourning ones of mankind?	Ours is the message of comfort, not based on wishful thinking but entirely on the Word of God. We should immediately try to comfort then with the Truth.
How did they respond?	They laughed him to scorn.
Was she dead or was she sleeping?	From man's standpoint she was dead. From the Divine standpoint she was asleep, waiting to be awakened out of sleep in the resurrection of the dead. R4588
What happened next?	Jesus awoke her and commanded that she be given something to eat.
What did the people react?	They were amazed with great astonishment.
Why did Jesus tell them that?	Because, unlike many since (including many in our day,) Jesus was not self-seeking. Jesus understood the importance of God's time arrangements and therefore knew that his time was not yet come. Consider John 6:14-15
What did the people do?	"The fame hereof went abroad into all the land."
Did Jesus resurrect the girl?	No. That would mean that the girl was the first to rise from the dead. Acts 26:23

[27] And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. [28] And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. [29] Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. [30] And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. [31] But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

Verses 27-28  Expanded Bible Comments

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. [28] And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
Question	Answer
Who followed Jesus and what was their condition?	Two men who were blind.
How did they refer to Jesus and what did this mean?	They referred to him as "Thou son of David." This was the way the Jews spoke of the Messiah, by recognizing that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah and lineage of David. Gen. 49:10 ; Luke 1:30-33 ; 1 Chron. 29:23 ; Luke 2:11 ; Micah 5:2 ; John 7:42
What did they ask him to do?	Have mercy on them.
Did Jesus respond to them immediately? If so, what does that tell us? If not, why not?	Apparently not. He waited until he was in the house. It was then that we are told "the blind men came to him." This would seem to teach us that determination, persistance is one of the qualities the Lord is looking for.
What did Jesus ask of the two men and why?	Do you believe that I have the ability to do what you are asking of me? Why did He ask this? – In this Jesus was showing, as He had done before, that the primary element being looked for is that of faith.
What was their response?	Yes, Lord, we do. In this response they both demonstrated that they did have faith but also they were recognizing Jesus' superiority, indicating again that they believed Him to be the Messiah.

Verses 29-31  Expanded Bible Comments

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. [30] And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. [31] But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
Question	Answer
What did Jesus do?	He touched their eyes.
What did he say?	"According to your faith be it unto you." – Once again, repeating this most important lesson.
What happened next?	They received their sight.
What did Jesus tell them and why?	See that no man knows of this miracle. Why? – Two reasons come to mind. 1. His humility. He always wanted to give the glory to His Father. 2. He did not want the people to react the way they did after he fed the five thousand, i.e., to take him and make him king. John 6:15
What did the two men do?	They, like us, could not contain themselves. Now that they could see they could not keep it to themselves. Isn't this just like the saints? Once our eyes have been opened to the Truth of God's character and plan, we cannot contain ourselves but have to tell others.

[32] As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. [33] And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. [34] But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

Verses 32-34  Expanded Bible Comments

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. [33] And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. [34] But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
Question	Answer
What happened next?	They brought to Jesus a man who was unable to speek because of being daemon-possessed.
What did Jesus do?	Cast out the daemon.
How did the multitudes react?	They marvelled and said "It was never so seen in Israel."
How did the Pharisees react?	Instead of appreciating the wonderful deed, they criticized and made the blasphemous claim that Jesus was using the power of the Adversary to cast out devils.

[35] And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. [36] But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. [37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Verse 35  Expanded Bible Comments

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
Question	Answer
Where did Jesus go next?	Into "all the cities and villages."
What did he do there?	He taught in them in their sysnagogues and preached the Gospel of the Kingdom. He also healed "every sickness and every disease among the people."
What did this say about who Jesus was?	These deeds are what to expect from the promised Messiah. Jesus was thus indicating that He was indeed the Messiah. Matt. 11:2-6 ; Luke 7:19-23

Verses 36-38  Expanded Bible Comments

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. [37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Question	Answer
What was the reaction of Jesus when he considered the multitudes?	He had compassion on them.
How does Jesus' reaction compare with that of the Scribes and Pharisees?	See Matt. 23:2-4
What did this say about the multitudes?	They so much wanted to be near Jesus that they followed him even to the point of fainting.
Why did Jesus have this reaction?	Because they were as sheep having no shepherd.
How did Jesus describe the situation to His disciples?	The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few.
What did Jesus tell his disciples that they should do?	Pray for more laborers.

Chapter 8     Index     Chapter 10