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Chapter 8
When Jesus comes in contact with sinners He has compassion on their condition. Jesus touched unclean people. In Jewish life that would have made him unclean. We see in chapter eight that he domonstrated his power to heal every kind of disease.
The centurion was a Roman official, probably a commander in the forces of Herod Antipas. He didn't want anyone else to solve his problem, but came to Jesus. In Lukes' account it states that he went to the Jewish elders and friends and asked them to go make the appeal to Jesus. He joined in the kingdom of heaven because of his faith. He believed that Jesus could just say the word and his servant would be healed. He recognized the authority that Jesus had over death. Jesus marvels at him and says that he had never seen such faith. This was a Gentile, and Jesus says that many Gentiles will come and eat at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, thus declaring that Gentiles would be heirs with the Jews. The figure of a banquet is often used of the kingdom. (Isaiah 25:6, Luke 14:15) Believers joining in a celebration with our King. They have all been invited in.
Jesus announces that His kingdom will be enjoyed by many who are not Jewish. The true heirs are those of the faith and not the mere race.
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt 8:10-12 (NLT)
The Pharisees accused Him of using power of the devil. But Jesus reponds that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Their hearts were hard and they could not see spiritually. Those who come face to face with Jesus have to make a choice to follow him or not. Not everyone is able to recognize who he is.
Jesus excercises power over, authority over diseases, demons, nature and sin. He shows His deep compassion for people. Each instance of Jesus healing someone, He has touched them. He was never defiled. It speaks that Jesus is the ultimate healer, He heals the ulltimate cause . This is not what the poeple expected the Messiah would be doing.
Jesus did not refuse his healing power to this official. But Jesus didn't come to set up a Messianic hospital. He came to fulfill the prophecy so that man would recognize him as the Messiah, and recognize that his authority came from God. He was the one they had waited for. He cast out demons, showed his power over nature by calming the storm, and forgiving sins. Look at chapter 8:23, Jesus is sleeping in the boat during the storm, his disciples are terrified that they will perish, and so they cry out "Lord, save us".
He has power over the storm.
Now look at what God does in Psalm 107:24-29
24 They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action,his impressive works on the deepest seas.25 He spoke, and the winds rose,stirring up the waves.26 Their ships were tossed to the heavensand plunged again to the depths;the sailors cringed in terror.27 They reeled and staggered like drunkardsand were at their wits’ end.28 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,and he saved them from their distress.29 He calmed the storm to a whisperand stilled the waves.30 What a blessing was that stillnessas he brought them safely into harbor!31 Let them praise the Lord for his great loveand for the wonderful things he has done for them.32 Let them exalt him publicly before the congregationand before the leaders of the nation.Psalms 107:24-32 (NLT)
Here God causes the storm, and then He brings the calm again. God is Lord over all of nature. What happens in nature serves God's purpose. We cannot understand why, but God is God and we are not. When God does things that we know are from Him, we too should praise Him and exalt Him before our congregations and before the leaders of the nation. We have kept silent and have not exalted His great deeds. We have allowed the enemy to have a greater voice than we have and allowed evil to prevail over many areas. We have thought more highly of accomplishments of man. God is not honored for His awesome wonders in nature. A scientific discovery receives more rave than the creator of that discover.
By the first century, Judaism had a list of the signs of the coming Messiah. Healing a leper, was one, and not just the skin disease but, to make him ritually clean agan, ceremonialy clean, so he would not have to be seperated from the community. The disease was made out to be sin's effect on man. The fact that Jesus touched Him and was not defiled, He was not made unclean, but that He made the leper clean, would have been a clear sign that He was the Messiah.
Many wanted to be followers of Jesus, but Jesus saw their hearts, and told them they could not be His followers. They revealed where their hearts were by making some excuse for not coming immediately. There is a cost of following Jesus. In verses 18-25 we see some of them. Jesus saw a man's hesitation as a weakness of allegiance. Those who are spiritually dead are not capable of the job, they can care for the physically dead. They are concerned with the benefits of this world. They must get their priorities straight.
Jesus and his disciples have made it across the lake to the other side, this is the region known as the decapolis, where ten Gentile cities were located. Demons are causing such havoc among the people there, and possess some people there.
They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”
Matt 8:29 (NLT)
The demons recognized him as the Son of God. They were aware of what their future would be. They knew a time was coming when they would be cast into hell. But they also knew that this was not the time. So why would Jesus be there now?
Chapter 8
Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
1 Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside.2 Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”3 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.4 Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
The Faith of a Roman Officer
5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him,6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.
Jesus Heals Many People
14 When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever.15 But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.16 That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick.17 This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,
“He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.” The Cost of Following Jesus
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.19 Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”20 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”21 Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead. ”
Jesus Calms the Storm
23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples.24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly all was calm.27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men
28 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no one could go through that area.29 They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”30 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance.31 So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.33 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men.34 Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone. Matt 8:1-34 (NLT)
MULTITUDES FOLLOW CHRIST. 8:1
This verse refers to the close of the foregoing sermon. Those to whom Christ has made himself known, desire to know more of him.
HE HEALS A LEPER. 8:2-4
In these verses we have an account of Christ's cleansing a leper, who came and worshipped him, as one clothed with Divine power. This cleansing directs us, not only to apply to Christ, who has power over bodily diseases, for the cure of them, but it also teaches us in what manner to apply to him. When we cannot be sure of God's will, we may be sure of his wisdom and mercy. No guilt is so great, but there is that in Christ's blood which atones for it; no corruption so strong, but there is that in his grace which can subdue it. To be made clean we must commend ourselves to his pity; we cannot demand it as a debt, but we must humbly request it as a favour. Those who by faith apply to Christ for mercy and grace, may be sure that he is freely willing to give them the mercy and grace they thus seek. And those afflictions are blessed that bring us to know Christ, and cause us to seek help and salvation from him. Let those who are cleansed from their spiritual leprosy, go to Christ's ministers and open their case, that they may advise, comfort, and pray for them.
A CENTURION'S SERVANT HEALED. 8:5-13
This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we should bring them to Christ by faith and prayers. Observe his self-abasement. Humble souls are made more humble by Christ's gracious dealings with them. Observe his great faith. The more diffident we are of ourselves, the stronger will be our confidence in Christ. Herein the centurion owns him to have Divine power, and a full command of all the creatures and powers of nature, as a master over his servants. Such servants we all should be to God; we must go and come, according to the directions of his word and the disposals of his providence. But when the Son of man comes he finds little faith, therefore he finds little fruit. An outward profession may cause us to be called children of the kingdom; but if we rest in that, and have nothing else to show, we shall be cast out. The servant got a cure of his disease, and the master got the approval of his faith. What was said to him, is said to all, Believe, and ye shall receive; only believe. See the power of Christ, and the power of faith. The healing of our souls is at once the effect and evidence of our interest in the blood of Christ.
CURE OF PETER'S WIFE'S MOTHER. 8:14-17
Peter had a wife, yet was an apostle of Christ, who showed that he approved of the married state, by being thus kind to Peter's wife's relations. The church of Rome, which forbids ministers to marry, goes contrary to that apostle upon whom they rest so much. He had his wife's mother with him in his family, which is an example to be kind to our relations. In spiritual healing, the Scripture speaks the word, the Spirit gives the touch, touches the heart, touches the hand. Those who recover from fevers, commonly are weak and feeble some time after; but to show that this cure was above the power of nature, the woman was at once so well as to go about the business of the house. The miracles which Jesus did being noised abroad, many thronged to him. He healed all that were sick, though the patient was ever so mean, and the case ever so bad. Many are the diseases and calamities to which we are liable in the body; and there is more, in those words of the gospel, that Jesus Christ bore our sicknesses and carried our sorrows, to support and comfort us under them, than in all the writings of the philosophers. Let us not grudge labour, trouble, or expense in doing good to others.
THE SCRIBE'S ZEALOUS PROPOSAL. 8:18-22
One of the scribes was too hasty in promising; he proffers himself to be a close follower of Christ. He seems to be very resolute. Many resolutions for religion are produced by sudden conviction, and taken up without due consideration; these come to nothing. When this scribe offered to follow Christ, one would think he should have been encouraged; one scribe might do more credit and service than twelve fishermen; but Christ saw his heart, and answered to its thoughts, and therein teaches all how to come to Christ. His resolve seems to have been from a worldly, covetous principle; but Christ had not a place to lay his head on, and if he follows him, he must not expect to fare better than he fared. We have reason to think this scribe went away. Another was too slow. Delay in doing is as bad on the one hand, as hastiness in resolving is on the other. He asked leave to attend his father to his grave, and then he would be at Christ's service. This seemed reasonable, yet it was not right. He had not true zeal for the work. Burying the dead, especially a dead father, is a good work, but it is not thy work at this time. If Christ requires our service, affection even for the nearest and dearest relatives, and for things otherwise our duty, must give way. An unwilling mind never wants an excuse. Jesus said to him, Follow me; and, no doubt, power went with this word to him as to others; he did follow Christ, and cleaved to him. The scribe said, I will follow thee; to this man Christ said, Follow me; comparing them together, it shows that we are brought to Christ by the force of his call to us, Rom 9:16.
CHRIST IN A STORM. 8:23-27
It is a comfort to those who go down to the sea in ships, and are often in perils there, to reflect that they have a Saviour to trust in and pray to, who knows what it is to be on the water, and to be in storms there. Those who are passing with Christ over the ocean of this world, must expect storms. His human nature, like to ours in every thing but sin, was wearied, and he slept at this time to try the faith of his disciples. They, in their fear, came to their Master. Thus is it in a soul; when lusts and temptations are swelling and raging, and God is, as it were, asleep to it, this brings it to the brink of despair. Then it cries for a word from his mouth, Lord Jesus, keep not silence to me, or I am undone. Many that have true faith, are weak in it. Christ's disciples are apt to be disquieted with fears in a stormy day; to torment themselves that things are bad with them, and with dismal thoughts that they will be worse. Great storms of doubt and fear in the soul, under the power of the spirit of bondage, sometimes end in a wonderful calm, created and spoken by the Spirit of adoption. They were astonished. They never saw a storm so turned at once into a perfect calm. He that can do this, can do any thing, which encourages confidence and comfort in him, in the most stormy day, within or without, Isa 26:4.
HE HEALS TWO POSSESSED WITH DEVILS. 8:28-34
The devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Saviour; they neither have, nor hope for any benefit from him. Oh the depth of this mystery of Divine love; that fallen man has so much to do with Christ, when fallen angels have nothing to do with him! Heb 2:16. Surely here was torment, to be forced to own the excellence that is in Christ, and yet they had no part in him. The devils desire not to have any thing to do with Christ as a Ruler. See whose language those speak, who will have nothing to do with the gospel of Christ. But it is not true that the devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Judge; for they have, and they know it, and thus it is with all the children of men. Satan and his instruments can go no further than he permits; they must quit possession when he commands. They cannot break his hedge of protection about his people; they cannot enter even a swine without his leave. They had leave. God often, for wise and holy ends, permits the efforts of Satan's rage. Thus the devil hurries people to sin; hurries them to what they have resolved against, which they know will be shame and grief to them: miserable is the condition of those who are led captive by him at his will. There are a great many who prefer their swine before the Saviour, and so come short of Christ and salvation by him. They desire Christ to depart out of their hearts, and will not suffer his word to have place in them, because he and his word would destroy their brutish lusts, those swine which they give themselves up to feed. And justly will Christ forsake all that are weary of him; and say hereafter, Depart, ye cursed, to those who now say to the Almighty, Depart from us.
—Matthew Henry Concise
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The Healing of a Leper (8:1-4) Lepers were regarded as unclean on the basis of Old Testament Levitical law (8:3; cf. Lev. 13:45-46). The removal of sickness was one of the great blessings anticipated in the kingdom (Matt. 8:4; cf. Isa. 33:24). The purpose of this miracle was not only to cure the leper but to alert the Jewish religious establishment in Jerusalem that there was someone in Galilee exhibiting messianic credentials. The religious leaders in Jerusalem were notified and began an investigation of Jesus (cf. Matt. 9:1-8).
A Centurion's Faith (8:5-13) The centurian, or "Roman officer" (8:5), was an officer in the Roman army who was in charge of one hundred men (a "century"), though by Jesus' time the actual number of men had dropped to eighty. They were responsible for training their men, leading them into battle, keeping track of military equipment, posting guards, and making inspections.
Why were only Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob mentioned as those who would be in the kingdom and not Moses and David (8:11-12)? Because the Gentile, not the Jewish, inclusion into God's salvation was being stressed. Indeed, the sons of the kingdom had to be obedient, and their very sonship was a privilege, not a guarantee. Any obedient person would ultimately be included in the kingdom promised by Jesus without respect to his ethnic background.
Those who "come from all over the world" (8:11) was a reference to the Gentiles. The teachings of Jesus reflected the universal aspect of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 12:1-3). "Those for whom the Kingdom was prepared" (Matt. 8:12) was a reference to Jews who thought they would gain access to God's kingdom simply because they were descendants of Abraham. It is personal faith that enables one to appropriate the Messiah's promised benefits and blessings (8:13).
The Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law (8:14-17) In Matthew 8:17, Matthew quoted from Isaiah 53:4. Diseases, griefs, and iniquities were seen as interrelated in the Old Testament. The root cause of all sickness and suffering was sin. By removing the effects of sin, that is, sickness, Jesus was demonstrating his ability to deal with the ultimate cause—sin itself.
The healings pointed forward to the work of Jesus on the cross by beginning the conquest of sin's effects (cf. Matt. 27:27-31 with Isa. 53:4-5). Matthew quoted from Isaiah 53 to show that in Jesus' works of physical healing and bringing forgiveness for sin, he was fulfilling the visible signs that the prophets attributed to the promised Messiah. The event recorded in Matthew 9:6 carried the concept of Jesus' forgiving sin further, though Matthew did not elaborate or theologize upon Jesus' substitutionary death. The work of theology was left for the apostle Paul.
The Focus and Priority of Discipleship (8:18-22) This is a departure saying and includes the first occurrence in Matthew of the phrase, "Son of Man." Jesus' use of the term went against the common messianic concepts of the day, including the Messianic concept of militant Judaism. Jesus did not first come to reign victorious or destroy the military might of Rome. Where would Jesus take his followers in the political, military, or religious terms of the world (8:20)? Nowhere. Jesus cautioned the disciples to evaluate their reason for following him. He wanted to make sure that they knew that glory and conquest would only come after they had suffered humiliation in the eyes of the world.
The term "Son of Man" (8:20) was used thirty-two times in Matthew by Jesus to refer to himself. As used by Jesus, the term drew on the implications of its use in Daniel 7:13 (for more on the "Son of Man," see the guiding concepts for the Gospel of Mark). In Matthew 8:22 Jesus was saying, "let the spiritually dead bury the physically dead." There was no greater priority than following the Author of life.
The Obedient Storm: What Kind of Man Is This? (8:23-27) The "lake" (8:23) was a reference to the fresh water Sea of Galilee, situated about 680 feet below sea level. The Mediterranean winds often rush through the valleys of Galilee and swoop down into the basin of the Sea of Galilee causing strong tempests. The audience's response was noted in 8:27. Jesus's authority was demonstrated by his power over nature, and his calming of the storm also gave support to his claim to authority over sin and death (cf. 9:4-7).
Jesus Rejected in Gentile Territory (8:28-34) The "land of the Gadarenes" (8:28) was the region of Gadara, a city located six miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee (see introductory map). Mark and Luke located the miracle in connection with the better known, but more distant, city of Gerasa (cf. Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26). In destroying the swine, the demons may have wanted to discredit Jesus by causing people to associate him with the loss of material possessions (Matt. 8:32-34).
—Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary
Chapter 9
Matthew could not have known that Jesus would give him the very skills he developed as a tax collector and use them in ministry for the kingdom.
He recorded the genealogy and presented us with the 'greatest story ever lived.' Matthew was a Jew who was supported by the Romans to be the area's tax collector. He collected taxes from the citizens as well as from merchants passing through town. Tax collectors were expected to take a commission on the taxes they collected, but most of them overcharged and kept the profits. Tax collectors were hated by the Jews. Matthew answered the call to become a disciple of Jesus, leaving a lucrative career behind. When God calls you to follow or obey, do you do it with as much abandon?
When Jesus called Matthew, he hurt his own reputation among the religous leaders in order to reach out to those who were lost. We should not be afraid to reach out to people who are living in sin. God's message changes people, and then perhaps their firends too!
We are often not aware that God gave us abilities long before He called us. He trusts us with the skills and abililties to join Him in the work He has for us to do. Each one of us is a product of the work God began from the very beginning of time. We are each a work in progress. We may not seem like anyone important in the world, but God knows the plans He has to use us in mighty ways.
Into chapter nine now, we see Jesus forgiving sins.
Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town.
2 Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”3 But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?5 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?6 So I will prove to you that the Son of Manhas the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”Matt 9:1-6 (NLT)
Jesus went across the lake to his own town. He considered Capernaum his own town. At the beginning of his ministry in Galilee Jesus left Nazareth and came and dwelt in Capernaum (4:12, 13), and he called it "his own city."
Jesus did many forms of healing;and shows that sin can lead to illness and sickness. Jesus did this to prove that he was the Son of God, because only God can forgive sins. It is easy to say your sins are forgiven, but to heal requires a lot more. The forgiveness of sins made the man well.
People who thought that they were better than sinners were actually the worst in God's eyes. They can't be saved because the first step is in following Jesus. The blind men knew Jesus could heal them, and the would let nothing stop them from finding him. That is real faith. Do you believe that God can help you? Do you really want his help? If you believe Jesus is the answer to your every need, don't let anything or anyone stop you from reaching out to him. Jesus told the people to keep quiet about his healings because he did not want to be known as a miracle worker.Jesus told them not to tell anyone, yet there were many who witnessed the healing. Jesus wanted the priest to make it official so that it would be a proper testimony of a true healing,
He healed because he had compassion on people, but he also wanted to bring spiritual healing to a sin-sick world.
At the end of chapter nine, he says to His disciples, to ask the Lord of the harvest to send our workers. Then Jesus sends out His disciples to work. Jesus gives them them the authority over demons and diseases.
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
1 Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town.2 Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”3 But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?5 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?6 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”7 And the man jumped up and went home!8 Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for sending a man with such great authority.
Jesus Calls Matthew
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners.11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum? ”12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
A Discussion about Fasting
14 One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?”15 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.16 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.17 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.”
Jesus Heals in Response to Faith
18 As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.”19 So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him.20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe,21 for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”22 Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.23 When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music.24 “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him.25 After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up!26 The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside.Jesus Heals the Blind
27 After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”28 They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”“Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.”29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.”30 Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.”31 But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.32 When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus.33 So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed.34 But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.”
The Need for Workers
35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matt 9:1-38 (NLT)
JESUS RETURNS TO CAPERNAUM, AND HEALS A PARALYTIC. 9:1-8
The faith of the friends of the paralytic in bringing him to Christ, was a strong faith; they firmly believed that Jesus Christ both could and would heal him. A strong faith regards no obstacles in pressing after Christ. It was a humble faith; they brought him to attend on Christ. It was an active faith. Sin may be pardoned, yet the sickness not be removed; the sickness may be removed, yet the sin not pardoned: but if we have the comfort of peace with God, with the comfort of recovery from sickness, this makes the healing a mercy indeed. This is no encouragement to sin. If thou bring thy sins to Jesus Christ, as thy malady and misery to be cured of, and delivered from, it is well; but to come with them, as thy darlings and delight, thinking still to retain them and receive him, is a gross mistake, a miserable delusion. The great intention of the blessed Jesus in the redemption he wrought, is to separate our hearts from sin. Our Lord Jesus has perfect knowledge of all that we say within ourselves. There is a great deal of evil in sinful thoughts, which is very offensive to the Lord Jesus. Christ designed to show that his great errand to the world was, to save his people from their sins. He turned from disputing with the scribes, and spake healing to the sick man. Not only he had no more need to be carried upon his bed, but he had strength to carry it. God must be glorified in all the power that is given to do good.
MATTHEW CALLED. 9:9
Matthew was in his calling, as the rest of those whom Christ called. As Satan comes with his temptations to the idle, so Christ comes with his calls to those who are employed. We are all naturally averse from thee, O God; do thou bid us to follow thee; draw us by thy powerful word, and we shall run after thee. Speak by the word of the Spirit to our hearts, the world cannot hold us down, Satan cannot stop our way, we shall arise and follow thee. A saving change is wrought in the soul, by Christ as the author, and his word as the means. Neither Matthew's place, nor his gains by it, could detain him, when Christ called him. He left it, and though we find the disciples, who were fishers, occasionally fishing again afterwards, we never more find Matthew at his sinful gain.
MATTHEW, OR LEVI'S FEAST. 9:10-13
Some time after his call, Matthew sought to bring his old associates to hear Christ. He knew by experience what the grace of Christ could do, and would not despair concerning them. Those who are effectually brought to Christ, cannot but desire that others also may be brought to him. Those who suppose their souls to be without disease will not welcome the spiritual Physician. This was the case with the Pharisees; they despised Christ, because they thought themselves whole; but the poor publicans and sinners felt that they wanted instruction and amendment. It is easy, and too common, to put the worst constructions upon the best words and actions. It may justly be suspected that those have not the grace of God themselves, who are not pleased with others' obtaining it. Christ's conversing with sinners is here called mercy; for to promote the conversion of souls is the greatest act of mercy. The gospel call is a call to repentance; a call to us to change our minds, and to change our ways. If the children of men had not been sinners, there had been no need for Christ to come among them. Let us examine whether we have found out our sickness, and have learned to follow the directions of our great Physician.
OBJECTIONS OF JOHN'S DISCIPLES. 9:14-17
John was at this time in prison; his circumstances, his character, and the nature of the message he was sent to deliver, led those who were peculiarly attached to him, to keep frequent fasts. Christ referred them to John's testimony of him, John 3:29. Though there is no doubt that Jesus and his disciples lived in a spare and frugal manner, it would be improper for his disciples to fast while they had the comfort of his presence. When he is with them, all is well. The presence of the sun makes day, and its absence produces night. Our Lord further reminded them of common rules of prudence. It was not usual to take a piece of rough woolen cloth, which had never been prepared, to join to an old garment, for it would not join well with the soft, old garment, but would tear it further, and the rent would be made worse. Nor would men put new wine into old leathern bottles, which were going to decay, and would be liable to burst from the fermenting of the wine; but putting the new wine into strong, new, skin bottles, both would be preserved. Great caution and prudence are necessary, that young converts may not receive gloomy and forbidding ideas of the service of our Lord; but duties are to be urged as they are able to bear them.
CHRIST RAISES THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS, HE HEALS THE ISSUE OF BLOOD. 9:18-26
The death of our relations should drive us to Christ, who is our life. And it is high honour to the greatest rulers to attend on the Lord Jesus; and those who would receive mercy from Christ, must honour him. The variety of methods Christ took in working his miracles, perhaps was because of the different frames and tempers of mind, which those were in who came to him, and which He who searches the heart perfectly knew. A poor woman applied herself to Christ, and received mercy from him by the way. If we do but touch, as it were, the hem of Christ's garment by living faith, our worst evils will be healed; there is no other real cure, nor need we fear his knowing things which are a grief and burden to us, but which we would not tell to any earthly friend. When Christ entered the ruler's house, he said, Give place. Sometimes, when the sorrow of the world prevails, it is difficult for Christ and his comforts to enter. The ruler's daughter was really dead, but not so to Christ. The death of the righteous is in a special manner to be looked on as only a sleep. The words and works of Christ may not at first be understood, yet they are not therefore to be despised. The people were put forth. Scorners who laugh at what they do not understand, are not proper witnesses of the wonderful works of Christ. Dead souls are not raised to spiritual life, unless Christ take them by the hand: it is done in the day of his power. If this single instance of Christ's raising one newly dead so increased his fame, what will be his glory when all that are in their graves shall hear his voice, and come forth; those that have done good to the resurrection of life, and those that have done evil to the resurrection of damnation!
HE HEALS TWO BLIND MEN. 9:27-31
At this time the Jews expected Messiah would appear; these blind men knew and proclaimed in the streets of Capernaum that he was come, and that Jesus was he. Those who, by the providence of God, have lost their bodily sight, may, by the grace of God, have the eyes of their understanding fully enlightened. And whatever our wants and burdens are, we need no more for supply and support, than to share in the mercy of our Lord Jesus. In Christ is enough for all. They followed him crying aloud. He would try their faith, and would teach us always to pray, and not to faint, though the answer does not come at once. They followed Christ, and followed him crying; but the great question is, Do ye believe? Nature may make us earnest, but it is only grace that can work faith. Christ touched their eyes. He gives sight to blind souls by the power of his grace going with his word, and he puts the cure upon their faith. Those who apply to Jesus Christ, shall be dealt with, not according to their fancies, nor according to their profession, but according to their faith. Christ sometimes concealed his miracles, because he would not indulge the conceit which prevailed among the Jews, that their Messiah should be a temporal prince, and so give occasion to the people to attempt tumults and seditions.
CHRIST CASTS OUT A DUMB SPIRIT. 9:32-34
Of the two, better a dumb devil than a blaspheming one. Christ's cures strike at the root, and remove the effect by taking away the cause; they open the lips, by breaking Satan's power in the soul. Nothing can convince those who are under the power of pride. They will believe anything, however false or absurd, rather than the Holy Scriptures; thus they show the enmity of their hearts against a holy God.
HE SENDS FORTH THE APOSTLES. 9:35-38
Jesus visited not only the great and wealthy cities, but the poor, obscure villages; and there he preached, there he healed. The souls of the meanest in the world are as precious to Christ, and should be so to us, as the souls of those who make the greatest figure. There were priests, Levites, and scribes, all over the land; but they were idol shepherds, Zec 11:17; therefore Christ had compassion on the people as sheep scattered, as men perishing for lack of knowledge. To this day vast multitudes are as sheep not having a shepherd, and we should have compassion and do all we can to help them. The multitudes desirous of spiritual instruction formed a plenteous harvest, needing many active labourers; but few deserved that character. Christ is the Lord of the harvest. Let us pray that many may be raised up and sent forth, who will labour in bringing souls to Christ. It is a sign that God is about to bestow some special mercy upon a people, when he stirs them up to pray for it. And commissions given to labourers in answer to prayer, are most likely to be successful.
—Matthew Henry Concise
Chapter 10
It seems that in chapter ten verses five to fifteen, the instructions given would pertain to the disciples at the time and not so much to us during our life. They are told to go only to the lost house of Israel and to preach the same message. They were warned about how they would be treated So what gospel message did they preach? Jesus had not gone to the cross yet, people's sins were not forgiven yet? The disciples didn't know that Jesus would die that kind of death, and that He would arise from the dead. They didn't know about that. The gospel message would be to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, the kingdom is here. They would teach about the things said to them in His sermon on the mount. That the kingdom is about the things of the heart, attitude; the condition of the inner man. They may not have understood this spiritual kingdom that Jesus was trying to teach, but they knew the words that Jesus used.
When we preach the gospel, we should preach about a change of heart. There are some who believe that they are saved because they made a confession that Jesus died for their sins. If they don't have a change of heart, the profession of belief is in vein. It is not just our words, but our heart that bears witness of our salvation. We have encouraging verses in sixteen to twenty five. He tells them not to worry about what to say for the Holy Spirit will be speaking through them. We too can have that confidence when we are speaking about spiritual things to others. The Holy Spirit will be active in us at that time, and give us the words we need to say. There have been times that I said some things that didn't seem to be important, but then I saw how the person responded. The words we say don't have to been some great theoligical insight. The disciples were told that they would not finish going through all the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes. Now that could be directed to all believers today. We must finish the work that Jesus began. We are to take the message to the ends of the earth. We will be doing that until the day Jesus returns. He keeps telling them not to fear in versus 26-28 and in 29-31 He says don't worry. That goes for us as well. We do not need to fear what men do to us. God has our spirit secure, and no one can harm our spirit. Our bodies will die someday anyway, and we are to fear God who could destroy both the body and the soul. Know that God is capable of awful judgement. Jesus states that if we confess Him, state that we believe in and trust Him, and don't deny Him, that He will do the same before the Father about us. Jesus is compassionate and shows mercy, but His message does not bring peace. He brings a sword. He divides the believers from the unbelievers, even if it causes a division within a family.
In verses 34- 39 He says that if we stand for Him it may very well be that we will condemn the people closest to us. If the members of my family do not believe in Him while I do, there is a natural division that comes. We must be willing to stand no matter what happens to the personal relationships that we have. We are to give our loyalty to Him. First and foremmost we must be about the work He has commanded us to do. Many will fall away at this part of the message. They don't want to give up their loved one. They will not cause the relationship to be broken by doing following him. In verses 40-42 we are given the promise of rewards. God knows the sacrifice it takes to be His followers. He will reward those who are faithful to complete what He requires.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.2 Here are the names of the twelve apostles:first, Simon (also called Peter),then Andrew (Peter’s brother),James (son of Zebedee),John (James’s brother),3 Philip,Bartholomew,Thomas,Matthew (the tax collector),James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, 4 Simon (the zealot ), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans,6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep.7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!9 “Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins.10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.11 “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town.12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing.13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing.14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.17 But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues.18 You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. 19 When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.21 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed.22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.23 When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.24 “Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master.25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin ? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.
35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father,a daughter against her mother,and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.36 Your enemies will be right in your own household!’
37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.40 “Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me.41 If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs.42 And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Matt 10:1-42 (NLT)
THE APOSTLES CALLED. 10:1-4
The word "apostle" signifies messenger; they were Christ's messengers, sent forth to proclaim his kingdom. Christ gave them power to heal all manner of sickness. In the grace of the gospel there is a slave for every sore, a remedy for every malady. There is no spiritual disease, but there is power in Christ for the cure of it. There names are recorded, and it is their honour; yet they had more reason to rejoice that their names were written in heaven, while the high and mighty names of the great ones of the earth are buried in the dust.
THE APOSTLES INSTRUCTED AND SENT FORTH. 10:5-15
The Gentiles must not have the gospel brought them, till the Jews have refused it. This restraint on the apostles was only in their first mission. Wherever they went they must proclaim, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. They preached, to establish the faith; the kingdom, to animate the hope; of heaven, to inspire the love of heavenly things, and the contempt of earthly; which is at hand, that men may prepare for it without delay. Christ gave power to work miracles for the confirming of their doctrine. This is not necessary now that the kingdom of God is come. It showed that the intent of the doctrine they preached, was to heal sick souls, and to raise those that were dead in sin. In proclaiming the gospel of free grace for the healing and saving of men's souls, we must above all avoid the appearance of the spirit of an hireling. They are directed what to do in strange towns and cities. The servant of Christ is the ambassador of peace to whatever place he is sent. His message is even to the vilest sinners, yet it behoves him to find out the best persons in every place. It becomes us to pray heartily for all, and to conduct ourselves courteously to all. They are directed how to act as to those that refused them. The whole counsel of God must be declared, and those who will not attend to the gracious message, must be shown that their state is dangerous. This should be seriously laid to heart by all that hear the gospel, lest their privileges only serve to increase their condemnation.
DIRECTIONS TO THE APOSTLES. 10:16-42
Our Lord warned his disciples to prepare for persecution. They were to avoid all things which gave advantage to their enemies, all meddling with worldly or political concerns, all appearance of evil or selfishness, and all underhand measures. Christ foretold troubles, not only that the troubles might not be a surprise, but that they might confirm their faith. He tells them what they should suffer, and from whom. Thus Christ has dealt fairly and faithfully with us, in telling us the worst we can meet with in his service; and he would have us deal so with ourselves, in sitting down and counting the cost. Persecutors are worse than beasts, in that they prey upon those of their own kind. The strongest bonds of love and duty, have often been broken through from enmity against Christ. Sufferings from friends and relations are very grievous; nothing cuts more. It appears plainly, that all who will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution; and we must expect to enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations. With these predictions of trouble, are counsels and comforts for a time of trial. The disciples of Christ are hated and persecuted as serpents, and their ruin is sought, and they need the serpent's wisdom. Be ye harmless as doves. Not only, do nobody any hurt, but bear nobody any ill-will. Prudent care there must be, but not an anxious, perplexing thought; let this care be cast upon God. The disciples of Christ must think more how to do well, than how to speak well. In case of great peril, the disciples of Christ may go out of the way of danger, though they must not go out of the way of duty. No sinful, unlawful means may be used to escape; for then it is not a door of God's opening. The fear of man brings a snare, a perplexing snare, that disturbs our peace; an entangling snare, by which we are drawn into sin; and, therefore, it must be striven and prayed against. Tribulation, distress, and persecution cannot take away God's love to them, or theirs to him. Fear Him, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. They must deliver their message publicly, for all are deeply concerned in the doctrine of the gospel. The whole counsel of God must be made known, Acts 20:27. Christ shows them why they should be of good cheer. Their sufferings witnessed against those who oppose his gospel. When God calls us to speak for him, we may depend on him to teach us what to say. A believing prospect of the end of our troubles, will be of great use to support us under them. They may be borne to the end, because the sufferers shall be borne up under them. The strength shall be according to the day. And it is great encouragement to those who are doing Christ's work, that it is a work which shall certainly be done. See how the care of Providence extends to all creatures, even to the sparrows. This should silence all the fears of God's people; Ye are of more value than many sparrows. And the very hairs of your head are all numbered. This denotes the account God takes and keeps of his people. It is our duty, not only to believe in Christ, but to profess that faith, in suffering for him, when we are called to it, as well as in serving him. That denial of Christ only is here meant which is persisted in, and that confession only can have the blessed recompence here promised, which is the real and constant language of faith and love. Religion is worth every thing; all who believe the truth of it, will come up to the price, and make every thing else yield to it. Christ will lead us through sufferings, to glory with him. Those are best prepared for the life to come, that sit most loose to this present life. Though the kindness done to Christ's disciples be ever so small, yet if there be occasion for it, and ability to do no more, it shall be accepted. Christ does not say that they deserve a reward; for we cannot merit any thing from the hand of God; but they shall receive a reward from the free gift of God. Let us boldly confess Christ, and show love to him in all things.
—Matthew Henry Concise