The Compassion Of Christ – Matthew 9 Series

BIG IDEA. OPPOSITION INCREASES, HEALING MINISTRY CONTINUES.

Despite the continued opposition of the religious leaders, JESUS continues to fulfill his mission and show compassion for those in need. Dealing with Sin and Sickness, and our calling to not only follow HIM, but to help bring others to HIM. The LORD of the Harvest calls out "Help Wanted" (vs 37-38).

Scriptures: Matthew 9:1-38, Mark 2:14, Romans 5:8, Matthew 5:3, Hosea 6:6, Ephesians 2:14-18, Ephesians 2:16, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Peter 3:9, Isaiah 6:8-9, James 5:20

Study of Matthew 9:1-38

JESUS Forgives and Heals a Paralytic (Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:17–26)

(1-2) A PARALYTIC IS BROUGHT TO JESUS.

1 So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When JESUS saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

His own city, Capernaum

They brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed:

Mark and Luke state that due to the crowds, he was lowered down through the roof.

When JESUS saw their faith

JESUS noticed the faith of his friends, not necessarily the faith of the paralyzed man.

Their faith displayed by bringing the paralyzed man to JESUS, even taking off part of a roof to lower him down.

Because of their faith, He spoke to the paralytic.

JESUS wanted to encourage this man’s faith by His next words.

Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you

The faith of the paralyzed man’s friends did something – they brought this man to JESUS.

But JESUS addressed the man's bigger issue.

Being paralyzed is bad, but being trapped and lost in your sin is even worse.

JESUS wasn’t saying the man was paralyzed as a consequence to sin, by which he forgave him.

Six reasons why JESUS dealt with the man’s sin first. (Matthew Poole)

1. Sin is the source of all our problems.

2. Forgiveness is more important than physical healing.

3. JESUS’ Mission was to address sin.

4. When a person's sins are forgiven, they become a child of GOD.

5. Faith leads to the forgiveness of sins.

6. To start a key discussion with the scribes and Pharisees.

(3-5) REACTIONS OF THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS

3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”

4 But JESUS, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?

And at once some of the scribes said within themselves:

The scribes quickly disagreed privately.

This Man blasphemes

The scribes saw that JESUS was claiming to do something only GOD could do. Not understanding that JESUS was GOD, and stating JESUS blasphemed by considering Himself to be GOD.

POINT: This is the 1st rejection of JESUS as GOD in Matthew after Herod’s rejection of the child King of the Jews.

But JESUS, knowing their thoughts, (for evil)

POINT: GOD knows and cares about our thoughts too.

For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?

To heal and forgive sin are impossible for man.

But with GOD, all things are possible:

Matthew 19:26 But JESUS looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible.”

POINT: You can’t see someone’s sin being forgiven, but you can see when they are healed.

POINT: JESUS PROVES HIS DIETY by forgiving and healing.

(5) THE QUESTION

5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?

(6-8) THE ANSWER: AUTHORITY - JESUS SHOWS HE HAS AUTHORITY OVER SIN AND SICKNESS.

6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he arose and departed to his house.

8 Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified GOD, who had given such power to men.

THE ANSWER:

But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins.

JESUS answers the question of forgiveness by healing the man, thereby proving his authority to forgive sin.

And he arose and departed to his house

PROOF: The man was healed instantly healed, proving that JESUS did have the power of GOD both to heal and forgive.

When the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified GOD

When the man was healed, they praised GOD for the miracle.

Matthew the Tax Collector (Mark 2:13–17; Luke 5:27–32)

THE CALL OF MATTHEW - THE TAX COLLECTOR.

(9) MATTHEW OBEYS JESUS’ CALL TO COME FOLLOW HIM.