Matthew 9:1-9
After getting into a boat he crossed to the other side and came to his own town. Just then some people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Have courage, son! Your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the experts in the law said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” When Jesus perceived their thoughts he said, “Why do you respond with evil in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then he said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your stretcher, and go home.” So he stood up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were afraid and honoured God who had given such authority to men.
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow me,” he said to him. So he got up and followed him.
The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
COMMENT & QUESTIONS
Jesus wasn’t claiming to just be a miracle worker. He was claiming to forgive the sins of other people. The experts in the Law of Moses knew that only God could forgive sins. So when Jesus forgave sins, what claim did he make about Himself?
He was claiming to have the same authority that God had. He was claiming to be more than just another religious teacher of the day.
The story of Matthew’s calling is given here. Matthew went on to become a great leader in the early church. But he started as a tax-collector (that is, someone who was despised by the Jews). We can notice a great contrast. The experts in religion rejected Jesus, but the people who were meant to be ‘sinners’ were drawn towards Jesus.
Prayers
Give thanks that Jesus has the power to forgive sins Give thanks that no matter our background, Jesus calls us to follow Him
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