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Matthew 9

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

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.

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

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.

And he arose, and departed to his house.

But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

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.

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.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

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 to repentance.

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

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.

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.

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

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.

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

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.

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

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.

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

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.

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.

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

What does Matthew 9:28 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 9:28, derived from the New Testament of the Bible, recounts an event where Jesus is approached by two blind men following Him into a house.

Upon their arrival, Jesus asks them a crucial question about their faith, "Believe ye that I am able to do this?" They respond affirmatively, acknowledging Jesus as "Lord" and expressing their belief in His ability to heal them.

This interaction underscores not just the physical healing that Jesus is capable of, but also places emphasis on the necessity of faith in the miraculous process.

The dialogue highlights the concept of Jesus's divine authority and the role of personal faith in receiving His blessings.

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Historical Context

This event occurs in the context of Jesus's ministry in Galilee.

During this period, Jesus was traveling, teaching, preaching, and performing various miracles.

The culture at the time was heavily influenced by Jewish religious laws and expectations, but also marked by Roman occupation.

Miracles were seen as signs of divine approval or messiahship, and Jesus's actions often led to discussions and debates among the people and religious leaders about His true identity and authority.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological viewpoint, this verse offers insights into the nature of Jesus as both healer and divine. The acknowledgement of Jesus as "Lord" by the blind men may signify a recognition of His divine role.

The verse also reflects the theme of faith as a prerequisite for divine intervention.

Different denominations may place varying emphasis on the role of faith in miracles, with some seeing this as a requirement for divine action and others considering it a part of the relational dynamic between God and humans.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can inspire individuals to examine and cultivate their faith, particularly in moments of seeking intervention or miracles.

It can encourage believers to approach God with confidence in His abilities, while also reflecting on the role of their own belief in the process of healing and receiving help.

This teaching can be applied to encourage trust in divine power during personal trials and to foster a deeper spiritual relationship with God.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:29: "Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you."
Matthew 8:10: "When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."
Mark 10:52: "And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.

And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."

Matthew 21:22: "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

Language Study

Key words in this verse warrant closer examination in their original Greek language:

"Believe" (Greek: πιστεύετε, pisteuete): The verb form used here implies more than intellectual assent; it involves trust, reliance, and a firm conviction.
"Able" (Greek: δύναμαι, dynamai): This word implies having the power, capability, or capacity to do something.
"Lord" (Greek: Κύριος, Kyrios): This title signifies authority and is used in the New Testament to refer to Jesus in a divine context, indicating His lordship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of miraculous healing in Matthew 9:28 can be compared to other ancient myths and religious beliefs where deities or holy figures perform healings.

In many cultures, such acts are common among the narratives of gods and demigods.

The difference in the Christian narrative is the emphasis on faith as integral to the process, rather than merely invoking or petitioning a divine being.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the concept of miraculous healing as presented in this verse does not accord with current medical knowledge, which relies on natural explanations and evidence-based treatments.

While psychosomatic effects and the influence of belief on health are acknowledged phenomena, the actual restoration of sight in the manner described in the Bible falls outside the purview of scientific understanding.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of this verse:

Some emphasize the compassionate nature of Jesus, showing His willingness to heal those in need.
Others focus on the interaction as a testament of Jesus's divinity and His power over physical ailments.
Commentaries also reflect on the disposition of the blind men, often praising their direct and simple faith in Jesus as a model for believers.
A number of commentaries also discuss the connection between the healing and the broader messianic mission of Jesus as depicted in the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 9

Matthew 9

What does Matthew 9:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 9:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?