The Leper, 8:1-4 (Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16).
[1-2] Matthew now showed that Jesus not only taught with power (Matthew 7:28-29), but He also used His power to help people. Leprosy is a very bad skin disease which destroys the flesh. A leper was forced by law to live away from well people, to tear his clothes, to have his hair unkempt, and to cry, “Unclean!” as people came near him (Leviticus 13:45f.; Deuteronomy 24:8). He could not be part of the ordinary life of his people. Healing of leprosy was to be a sign of the Messiah (Matthew 11:5). For “Messiah” see Matthew 1:1. The leper had faith in the power of Jesus. Many religious leaders of the day said healing a leper was as hard as raising the dead. Jesus had that power!
[3] Sometimes men can do things but are not willing, Jesus could heal the man and wanted to! Jesus came to reveal the Father (John 14:8-11). In His miracles, Jesus’ deity was proved (John 5:36; 20:30-31). The miracles also showed His love for men (Matthew 9:35-36; 15:32; 20:34). Jesus reached out and touched the man! Usually, a person who touched a leper became unclean (Leviticus 5:3; 13:45f.). Jews avoided touching such people. Jesus’ touch brought healing to the man. He became well at once! There was no need for treatment. There was no payment. Jesus did it freely!
[4] Jesus gave the man two commands. First, he was to tell no one what had happened. At times, Jesus made this request (Matthew 9:30; 12:16; 16:20; 17:9). At other times, He commanded them to tell about it (Mark 5:19-20). The reason He wanted him to be silent is not known. Perhaps Jesus wanted to keep people from becoming excited about Him. He was in control of how He lived and when He would die. His miracles did cause some to want to kill Him (John 11:45-50). Second, the man was to fulfill his obligation as a result of his healing (Leviticus 14:lff.). He had to be inspected by the priest and offer several sacrifices. This was to take place in Jerusalem. Afterwards, he could live with people as a normal, clean person.
The Faith of the Roman Army Officer, 8:5-13 (Luke 7:1-10; cf. John 4:46-54).
[5] Capernaum was the adopted home of Jesus (Matthew 4:13). The Roman officer (centurion) was a Gentile (a non-Jew). A centurion was an officer in charge of 100 men. Jesus was born a Jew (Galatians 4:4) and was sent to Jews (Matthew 10:5-6; 15:24), yet His mission was also for all people. His work and plans included Gentiles (Matthew 28:18-20; John 10:16). Luke indicates that several Jews pleaded this man’s case to Jesus (Luke 7:4).
[6-9] Jesus healed similar diseases at other times (Matthew 4:24; 9:2). Jesus was willing to go with the man. It was not the custom of the time for Jews to enter the houses of Gentiles. Perhaps the officer was concerned about this custom. He was a military man. When he gave orders, men obeyed. Out of this background, he showed his great faith in Jesus. He believed Jesus could heal his servant from far away!
Matthew 8:10-22
10 When Jesus heard this, he was surprised. Jesus turned to the people who were following him and he said, “I am telling you the truth: I have not found this much faith anywhere-not even in Israel! 11 I tell you, many people will come from the east and the west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 Those who were sons of the kingdom will be thrown out into the dark. In that place there will be screaming and grinding of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the army officer, “Go, it will happen for you as you believed.” The servant boy was healed in that same hour. 14 As Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law. She was sick in bed with a fever. 15 Jesus touched her hand and the fever left her. She got up and began to serve Jesus. 16 When it was late, they brought many people with demons to Jesus. With one word, he threw out the spirits. He healed all the people who were sick, 17 so that what God had said through the prophet Isaiah would come true: “He took our sicknesses and carried away our diseases.” Isaiah 53:4 18 When Jesus saw that there was a crowd around him, he ordered, “Let us go across the lake.” 19 A teacher of the law came near and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go!” 20 Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes to live in. The wild birds have nests in which to live, but I have no place where I can rest my head.” 21 Another follower said to Jesus, “Lord, let me go and bury my father first.” 22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow me! Let the ‘dead’ bury their own dead!”
[10-12] Jesus was surprised at this man’s faith. Jesus said this kind of faith was uncommon, even among Jews. Jesus made reference to the fact that many Gentiles will come into the kingdom of heaven (verse 11). Jews (“sons of the kingdom”) who do not believe will be thrown out. They will be in the dark where they will scream and grind their teeth. This is symbolic of the punishment of the wicked (Matthew 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30).
[13] Jesus’ power could reach anywhere. He did as the officer suggested. The servant was healed at that very time! Even today, Jesus does not have to be physically present to help us.
Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law, 8:14-17 (Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39).
[14-15] Peter was Jesus’ follower (disciple) (Matthew 4:18). His home was in Capernaum (Mark 1:29). He was married (1 Corinthians 9:5). Luke said Peter’s mother-in-law had a “high fever” (Luke 4:38). Jesus healed her. Jesus’ power was so great that she was restored to full strength without any prolonged weakness after the fever. We know this because she got up and served Jesus.
[16-17] That evening many came to Jesus. Perhaps it was the Sabbath, and so many were prevented from coming earlier. Jesus threw out spirits with only a word. It was not hard for Him because He was more powerful than the spirits. He was the Son of God. Others with diseases were healed. This fulfilled the words of Isaiah 53:4.
Following Jesus, 8:18-22 (Luke 9:56-62).
[18-19] Jesus wanted to get away from the crowds, perhaps to rest. He was often called teacher (Matthew 12:38; 19:16; 22:16, 24, 36). Some wanted to become Jesus’ disciples.
[20] In Jesus’ reply we see His poverty. He said the foxes and the birds had more than He. He referred to Himself as the “Son of Man.” In the Gospels only Jesus used this name for Himself. He may have been stressing His poverty and humility with this name. He identified Himself as the Son of Man in Daniel 7:33. This would have definite Messianic meaning for the Jews (show that He was divine). For “Messiah,” see Matthew 1:1.
[21-22] Another man wanted to bury his dead father before following Jesus. Jesus’ words meant, “Let those who are dead spiritually take care of it.” Exodus 20:12 commands one to honour one’s father and mother. To bury one’s father was very important. It was seen as part of honouring him. Priests could not touch a dead body, but they were permitted to bury their fathers (Leviticus 21:2-3). Jesus taught the importance of honouring one’s father and mother (Matthew 15:4ff.; 19:19). Jesus told this man that following Him was of greater importance than the important task of burying his father (see Matthew 10:37ff.). Following Jesus is the most important thing.
Matthew 8:23-27
23 Jesus got into a boat and his followers did, too. 24 Soon there was such a big storm on the lake that the waves were getting into the boat, but Jesus was asleep. 25 The followers went to Jesus and woke him up. They said, “Lord, save us! We are going to die!” 26 Then Jesus said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Oh, you have so little faith!” Then Jesus got up and gave an order to the wind and the waves of the lake. The lake became very calm. 27 The men were amazed. They said, “What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the lake obey him!”
Jesus’ Power Over Nature, 8:23-27 (Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:23-25).
[23-24] Jesus and His disciples continued on their journey (Matthew 8:18). A storm came up very quickly. Lake Galilee was surrounded by high hills. Sudden winds could sweep down, causing very bad storms on the lake. The storm was very bad, but Jesus slept. Sleep can show trust in God (Psalm 3:5).
[25-26] When the fearful disciples woke Jesus, He rebuked them for their lack of faith. They should have known they were safe with Jesus. Jesus then showed His power over nature. The storm obeyed His command and at once became calm.
[27] When Jesus calmed the storm, they were amazed. They had seen His other powers, but now He controlled nature. God can do this (Psalm 89:8-9; 107:23-29). This act showed them that He did have divine power.
28 Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake in the country of the Gadarene people. Two men met him. They had demons in them. These men came out of the graveyard. They were so fierce that no one could pass by on that road. 29 They yelled, “What do you want with us, Son of God? Did you come here to punish us ahead of time?” 30 A long way off there was a large herd of pigs that was feeding. 31 The demons were begging Jesus, “Since you must throw us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
32 Jesus said to them, “Go!” And they came out and went into the pigs. Suddenly, the whole herd ran down the cliff and into the lake. They drowned. 33 Some men had been taking care of the pigs. They ran away. When they came into the town, they told the whole story about the two men with demons. 34 Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their area.
The Two Men With Demons, 8:28-34 (Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39).
[28] When they reached the other shore of the lake, two men with demons met them. Gadarene is sometimes called “Gergesenes” or “Gerasenes.” These men were so oppressed that they had to live among the tombs where people were buried. They were very fierce and dangerous because of the power of these spirits in them. Mark and Luke write of only one man in their accounts.
[29] The demons called Jesus the “Son of God.” Demons knew Jesus (James 2:19; Mark 1:24; 3:11; Luke 4:41). Evidently, they knew what their end would be—punishment (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Matthew 25:41). Until that time, they did not want Jesus to bother them.
[30-32] They feared wandering without a place to go (Matthew 12:43). Because of this, they asked to be sent to the pigs. Jesus did not use a spell or trick. He spoke His word, ordered them, and they left. This is the only example of Jesus’ doing such a thing to animals. A man’s life is more important than an animal’s life.
[33-34] Mark 5:13 indicates that there were 2,000 pigs. This would have been a great loss. Even though the men were free from the power of the demons, the people were afraid of the power they had seen. They did not know Jesus, but they knew He was more powerful than the demons. For a discussion of “demons,” see Matthew 9:32.
Matthew 9:1-4
9 1 Jesus got into a boat and went back across the lake. He came to his own home town. 2 There was a man who was paralyzed. He was lying on a small bed and some men were carrying him. When Jesus saw that these men believed, he said to the paralyzed man, “Be strong, friend, your sins are forgiven.”
3 Some of the teachers of the law thought to themselves, “This man is speaking as if he were God!” 4 Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, “Why are you thinking evil thoughts in your hearts?
Jesus Heals a Crippled Man, 9:1-8 (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26).
[1-2] Jesus and His disciples returned to Capernaum (Matthew 4:13). Jesus did not force Himself on people. People heard of His power and came. This paralysed man was brought by four men (Mark 2:3). The men believed Jesus had the power to heal their friend. Jesus forgave the man’s sin. Jesus may be showing that there is a connection between sin and disease. Sometimes there is no connection (Luke 13:1-5; John 9:1-3). He may simply be showing that all men (even sick ones) need forgiveness. Spiritual need is certainly more important than physical need.
[3-4] Jesus had done something that only God could do (Isaiah 43:25). Because He forgave the man’s sin, some of the teachers of the law thought bad things about Jesus. Jesus then showed them that He knew their unspoken thoughts. God has the power to know the thoughts of men (Psalm 94:11; 139:2; Acts 1:24). For someone to claim to be God was blasphemous. Jesus was accused of this several times (Matthew 26:65; John 10:33).
Matthew 9: 5-21
5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 6 I will prove to you that, on earth, I have the authority to forgive sins.” Then Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Stand up! Pick up your bed and go home!” 7 Then the man stood up and went home. 8 When the crowds saw this, they had great respect for Jesus; they praised God for giving such power to men. 9 As Jesus was leaving that place, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. Jesus said to him, “Follow me!” Matthew got up and followed him. 10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinful people came and joined Jesus and his followers for dinner. 11 Some Pharisees saw this. They asked Jesus’ followers, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinful people?” 12 When Jesus heard about it, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I want mercy more than I want animal sacrifices.’ Hosea 6:6 I came to invite sinners, not ‘righteous’ people.” 14 Then the followers of John came to Jesus, asking, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your followers do not fast?” 15 Jesus asked them, “Would it be right for the friends of the groom to be sad while he is still with them? But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them. Then his friends will fast. 16 No one sews a piece of cloth which has never been washed onto an old robe, because it would shrink and tear away from the robe and the hole would become worse. 17 No one puts new Wine into old wine bags. If they did, the old wine bags would break open, the wine would spill out, and the wine bags would be ruined. Instead, people put new wine into new wine bags and both are preserved.” 18 While Jesus was talking to them, suddenly a ruler of the synagogue came near and began to bow down in front of Jesus. The man said, “My daughter has just died! But, if you come and put your hand on her, she will come back to life.” 19 Jesus stood up and started to follow him. Jesus’ followers did too. 20 But there was a woman who had an open sore. (It had been bleeding for twelve years.) She went behind Jesus and touched the tassel of his robe. 21 She was thinking to herself, “If only I can touch his robe, then I will be made well!”
[5-8] Jesus then suggested a test to prove He had the power to forgive sins. To say something is easy. To make something happen is harder. Jesus then spoke the words, and the man was healed. For a discussion of the “Son of Man,” see Matthew 8:20. Jesus gave the man a strong body and freedom from the fear, shame, and guilt of his sins. The crowds grew in their respect and awe for Jesus. He had shown His authority to forgive sins and to heal. Such power was reason for rejoicing!
Matthew Follows Jesus, 9:9-13 (Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32).
[9] Matthew’s tax office was evidently at Capernaum. We do not know if he had had previous contact with Jesus. Like the others (Matthew 4:20, 22), he followed Jesus at once.
[10] Tax collectors were not liked by most Jews. They were seen as traitors since they collected taxes from Jews for Rome. They were also thought to be dishonest (Luke 3:13; 19:8). The term “sinner” would have been applied by the Pharisees to anyone who did not keep their traditions. Jesus was eating with these people at Matthew’s house (Luke 5:29).
[11] Eating with a person was an important social act. It was a way of identifying with others. Eating spoke of acceptance, love, and trust (Acts 16:15; Galatians 2:12; 2 John 10f.). It was not a sin to eat with such people, but very strict Jews would not feel free to do so. This was especially true of a teacher.
[12-13] Jesus Himself answered the question asked of His disciples. He answered in three parts: (1) Just as a doctor must go to the sick, so He will not neglect these people. (2) These learned men needed knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Jesus used Hosea’s words (Hosea 6:6). The meaning is that God wants mercy more than ritual obedience. (3) Jesus ended by stating His purpose. He came to seek the lost. Salvation is for the lost (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15; Matthew 18:11; Luke 15:4-7; John 3:16-17). The saved must go to the lost and love them!
Fasting, 9:14-17 (Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39).
[14] Matthew said the followers of John asked the question. Some people continued to follow John during and after Jesus’ ministry (John 1:35; 3:25-30; 4:1; Acts 19:1-7). John was in prison at this time (Matthew 4:12). Luke indicated it was the Pharisees and their teachers of the law (Luke 5:30, 33) who asked the question. Many were asking the same question. Fasting (going without food) was done for spiritual reasons. Fasting was required on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27). The Jews of Jesus’ day had many voluntary fasts. The Pharisees fasted twice a week (Luke 18:12). If the rains were late, people fasted and prayed. There were many fasts.
[15] Jesus compared Himself to a bridegroom (a man about to marry a woman). John made the same comparison (John 3:27-29). The days of the Messiah were like a wedding feast (Matthew 22:2-3). It would not be a time to be sad or literally “fast.” Jesus seemed to hint about a time of sorrow that would come. This was when He died on the cross.
[16-17] Wine was put in bags made of animal skins. As the juice fermented, the skins would stretch. An old skin would have no more room to stretch. Jesus used two illustrations. Each talked of mixing the old with the new. Terrible things happen if this is done with cloth or skins. Christianity cannot be mixed with old Jewish religious practices. One who accepts Christ and Christ’s ways must leave his old religion.
Later Christians did fast at times (Acts 13:2f.; 14:23; 27:9; 2 Corinthians 6:5; 11:27). Jesus said that at that time, fasting was not necessary. If they had understood who He was, they would have known that He was right. It is dangerous to hold on to old religious practices. Old and new cannot be mixed. Christ has given His way in His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2). A person with a new life in Jesus has a new religion in Jesus. Jesus’ Word is the guide to show men what is acceptable and what must be changed.
The Daughter of Jairus Is Healed by Jesus, 9:18-26 (Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56).
[18-19] Mark and Luke gave the ruler’s name, Jairus. Jairus presented his request in a very humble way. He needed Jesus’ help and power. He believed that Jesus could raise his daughter to life.
[20-22] On their way, another miracle took place. The woman was bleeding. Because of that, she was unclean, and everything she touched became unclean (Leviticus 15:19ff.). She had been this way for 12 years! She really needed help! She only wanted to touch Jesus without His knowing it. She had great faith in Jesus’ power. She touched the tassel of His garment. Tassels were worn on their clothes to remind the people of God’s commandments (Numbers 15:38-39). Power went out from Jesus and healed her (Mark 5:30). Though Jesus was on an important journey, He took time for this woman and her need. As with the leper (Matthew 8:2-4), Jesus did not become unclean when the woman touched Him. She became well. This showed Jesus’ power.
Matthew 9:22-38
22 But Jesus turned around and saw her. He said, “Be strong, dear woman, you are made well because you believed.” And, from that moment on, the woman was made well. 23 When Jesus came to the ruler’s house, he saw the men playing flutes and the crowd making noise. 24 Jesus said again and again, “Go away! The little girl did not die; she is only sleeping.” But they laughed at him. 25 When the crowd had been put outside, Jesus went in and took her hand, and the little girl stood up. 26 And the news about this went out all over that land. 27 As Jesus was leaving that place, two blind men followed him. They were shouting, “Son of David! Please help us!” 28 After Jesus had gone into a house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”
29 Then Jesus touched their eyes. He said, “May this happen to you because you believed!” 30 And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this!” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that whole area. 32 While they were leaving, they brought a man to Jesus. The man could not talk. He had a demon. 33 After the demon had been thrown out, the man who had not been able to talk began to talk. The crowds were amazed. They said, “No one has ever seen anything like this happen in Israel!” 34 However, the Pharisees continued to say, “Jesus makes demons go away by using the power of the ruler of the demons!” 35 Jesus went around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Good News about the kingdom. He was healing all kinds of sicknesses and diseases. 36 When Jesus saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep that didn’t have a shepherd. 37 Then Jesus said to his followers, “There is a big harvest, but there are not many workers. 38 So, pray that the Owner of the harvest will send more workers into the harvest field.”
[23] The ritual of mourning had already begun. These were probably mourners who were paid to perform. People knew death was in the house.
[24] Jesus insisted that the girl was only sleeping. This statement must have seemed strange to the people. They laughed. They knew she was dead, for they had begun mourning. The word “sleep” is often used to describe death (John 11:11; Acts 7:60; 1 Corinthians 15:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:10).
[25-26] When others said there was only death, Jesus said there was hope. He was the Creator of life (John 1:3-5). When the crowd was gone, Jesus raised the girl. He not only had power over sickness and sin, but over death as well.
Two Blind Men, 9:27-31.
[27-28] This miracle is found only in Matthew. Matthew wrote his Gospel to Jews so they would know Jesus was the Son of David, the Messiah. The healing probably took place in Capernaum. They called Jesus “Son of David.” This was a Messianic title coming from the promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12ff.; Psalm 89). Jesus was a son of David (Matthew 1:1) and the Son of David spoken of by the prophet (Acts 2:30-31f.). They cried, “Please help us,” or literally, “Have mercy on us.” Mercy was what God wanted men to have (Matthew 9:13). Jesus had performed miracles when no faith was required on the part of the sick person (Matthew 9:23-25). At times, He required faith (Mark 6:5-6). Matthew wanted his readers to know that these were healed because of their faith in Jesus as the Son of David.
[29-31] For comments about keeping silence, see Matthew 8:4. These men did not keep silent. It would have been hard not to tell about their healing because everyone would have known that they had been blind.
Jesus’ Power Over Demons, 9:32-34.
[32] This miracle is only found in Matthew. Demons had power over people. They could cause a lack of speech (Matthew 9:32), a loss of hearing (Mark 9:25), blindness and no speech (Matthew 12:22), fierceness (Matthew 8:28), great strength (Mark 5:4), falling into fire (Matthew 17:15), convulsions (Mark 1:26), grinding of teeth (Mark 9:18), foaming at the mouth (Luke 9:39, 42), and crippling (Luke 13:16). Some accusations about demons were not true. Jesus (John 10:20) and John (Matthew 11:18) were thought by some to have demons. Judas is the only person said to be possessed by the Devil (Luke 22:3; John 6:70; 13:27). Demons in the New Testament caused physical difficulties for people who had them rather than making them wicked. Jesus had complete power over demons. He caused them to leave by only a touch (Luke 4:40-41; 13:11, 16), a prayer (Mark 9:29), a rebuke (Mark 1:25; Luke 4:35), or a word (Matthew 8:16). Exorcism is never used by Christ or His followers. Some tried to do this (Acts 19:13f.). Jesus used no magic formulas or words. He simply had power and authority over them. The person who follows Christ need have no fear of demons or evil spirits. The apostles had this power (Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:16-18). We have a greater power than evil spirits (1 John 4:4).
[33-34] After this demon was gone, the man could talk. This was something new. The reaction of the people is important. Many were amazed. Others, like the Pharisees, said He got His power from Satan (Matthew 12:24). The ruler of demons is Satan. Jesus answered this charge in Matthew 12:22-32.