Matthew 9:2-8. This is man in his helplessness (paralytic), brought by the faith of other men. The Lord recognizes this and says to him, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” This is grace to the undeserving, but in the religious mind it was blasphemy. How blind they were to Who was there, even when the multitude saw the man carrying his bed! They were in fear and glorified God, who had given such power to men. Why did they not see that it was Emmanuel, Jehovah, the Saviour of His people, the Son of Man? Grace that forgives sins, is declared here.
Matthew 9:9. In the calling of Matthew, the publican, grace calls and fits him for the service of Christ.
Matthew 9:10-13. This grace is seen in eating with sinners, calling them to repentance and meeting their need, but the rich pharisee goes away empty.
Matthew 9:14-17. This new wine of grace could not be put into the old forms of Judaism. Man in the flesh could not receive it (Rom. 8:9). There must be a new birth, a new righteousness, a new joy. Christ is the bridegroom, and they could not fast while He was there, but His rejection is in view, and they will fast when He would be taken from them (John 16:20-22).
Matthew 9:18-26. The history of Israel is pictured. The ruler’s daughter is dying, and in fact dead. The Lord, at the ruler’s request, goes to heal her, but on the way individual faith gets the blessing. The woman is healed and made glad. Then, when the Lord comes as Son of Man, Israel will be raised again, that is, restored as a nation.
Matthew 9:27-31. Two blind men own Him as Son of David and they follow Him into the house. He questions them, and they confess their faith in His ability to open their eyes, and their eyes are opened. This is another picture of the Jewish remnant of faith. Then as they go forth, the dumb man has his mouth opened. The multitudes marvel and confess that this was new in Israel, but the Pharisees show their hatred, putting it down to Satan’s work. Such is religious man.
Matthew 9:35. The Lord carries on this service in cities and villages: teaching, preaching and healing— goodness and grace manifested in power.
Matthew 9:36-38. This good Shepherd of Israel is moved with compassion, and pities the flock, and engages the disciples in prayer that the Lord would send forth laborers into His harvest. May we enter into this.