Purpose

To present Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, especially to Jewish readers.

Author

Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector before Jesus called him. As a tax collector, he was skilled in record-keeping and would have been literate in multiple languages, making him perfect to write for Jewish audiences.

Historical Context

Written: 50-70 AD. Written to show Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Significance

Bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.

Key Themes

Jesus as Messiah, Kingdom of Heaven, Fulfillment of Prophecy, Discipleship, Great Commission

Interesting Facts

• Matthew quotes the Old Testament more than any other Gospel (over 60 times)
• The phrase 'Kingdom of Heaven' appears 32 times - only in Matthew
• Matthew includes 5 major teaching sections, paralleling the 5 books of Moses

Prophecies

• Over 300 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled every Messianic prophecy perfectly

Matthew Chapter 9 presents a powerful narrative that showcases the authority and compassion of Jesus as He performs miracles and engages with individuals marginalized by society. The chapter opens with the miraculous healing of a paralytic, where Jesus demonstrates His authority to forgive sins, prompting skepticism from the scribes. This act not only fulfills the messianic prophecies but also emphasizes the divine authority of Jesus as the Son of Man. The subsequent calling of Matthew, a tax collector, illustrates Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, as He dines with sinners, revealing His heart for those deemed unworthy. The chapter further addresses the issue of fasting, where Jesus contrasts the joy of His presence with the mourning typically associated with fasting. This leads to profound teachings using metaphors of new wine and old wineskins, emphasizing the transformative nature of His ministry. The latter part of the chapter introduces the desperate plea of a ruler whose daughter has died, further affirming Jesus' power over life and death. The narrative intertwines with the story of a woman suffering from chronic bleeding, who finds healing by merely touching Jesus' garment, highlighting the faith required to receive healing. Overall, Matthew 9 encapsulates the themes of faith, mercy, and the radical inclusivity of Jesus' message, showcasing His role as the Messiah who fulfills the law while extending grace to all.

Purpose

To present Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, especially to Jewish readers.

Author

Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector before Jesus called him. As a tax collector, he was skilled in record-keeping and would have been literate in multiple languages, making him perfect to write for Jewish audiences.

Historical Context

Written: 50-70 AD. Written to show Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Significance

Bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.

Key Themes

Jesus as Messiah, Kingdom of Heaven, Fulfillment of Prophecy, Discipleship, Great Commission

Interesting Facts

• Matthew quotes the Old Testament more than any other Gospel (over 60 times)
• The phrase 'Kingdom of Heaven' appears 32 times - only in Matthew
• Matthew includes 5 major teaching sections, paralleling the 5 books of Moses

Prophecies

• Over 300 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled every Messianic prophecy perfectly

Matthew Chapter 9 presents a powerful narrative that showcases the authority and compassion of Jesus as He performs miracles and engages with individuals marginalized by society. The chapter opens with the miraculous healing of a paralytic, where Jesus demonstrates His authority to forgive sins, prompting skepticism from the scribes. This act not only fulfills the messianic prophecies but also emphasizes the divine authority of Jesus as the Son of Man. The subsequent calling of Matthew, a tax collector, illustrates Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, as He dines with sinners, revealing His heart for those deemed unworthy. The chapter further addresses the issue of fasting, where Jesus contrasts the joy of His presence with the mourning typically associated with fasting. This leads to profound teachings using metaphors of new wine and old wineskins, emphasizing the transformative nature of His ministry. The latter part of the chapter introduces the desperate plea of a ruler whose daughter has died, further affirming Jesus' power over life and death. The narrative intertwines with the story of a woman suffering from chronic bleeding, who finds healing by merely touching Jesus' garment, highlighting the faith required to receive healing. Overall, Matthew 9 encapsulates the themes of faith, mercy, and the radical inclusivity of Jesus' message, showcasing His role as the Messiah who fulfills the law while extending grace to all.