So he got into a boat, crossed over, and came to his own town. 2 Just then some men brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.”
3 At this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “He’s blaspheming!”
4 Perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts? 5 For which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then he told the paralytic, “Get up, take your stretcher, and go home.” 7 So he got up and went home. 8 When the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and gave glory to God, who had given such authority to men. (Matthew 9:1-8)
(1): Jesus traveled to a gentile region southeast of the Sea of Galilee where he had healed two men with demons and sent the demons into pigs. The pigs then rushed into the sea causing a uproar among the people. Matthew reported that he got into a boat and returned to Capernaum, now his hometown.
(2): While Jesus was teaching in a house, men brought a paralytic on a stretcher to him for healing. Mark’s and Luke’s account reports that the men made a hole in the roof to let the man down. Jesus proclaimed the man’s sins were forgiven. The Greek carries the thought that his sins were gone.
By forgiving his sins Jesus indicated that the sin was a cause of the man’s paralysis. Further, forgiving sins was more important than healing the paralysis.
Forgiving sins had an eternal impact, healing physically was only for this life time.
(3-4): The scribes were experts in the law and were the ones to determine if forgiveness was needed. They reacted to Jesus statement, thinking he was claiming to be God or that he was committing blasphemy. Jesus, understood their thoughts asked why they had such evil thoughts.
(5-7): Jesus responded to their question with one of his own. Which is easier: to forgive sins or “Get up and walk”? Jesus question goes from easy – forgiving sins, to the difficult – commanding a man to stand and walk. Notice that there is no way to verify that sins have been forgiven. On the other hand, any man can forgive sins but only God can heal.
However, at a deeper level, it is the second statement that is easier: a healer can say that, but it takes deity to forgive sins. Jesus proved his authority to forgive sins by healing the man. By using his Messianic title, Son of Man, he claimed both divinity and humanity. The man then got up and walked. With this, Jesus proved his authority over the physical and spiritual diseases.
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)
(8): The crowds were filled with wonder and reverence (awestruck). However, they saw Jesus as a man not as the Messiah. They believed that God had given healing authority or power to a man.
Challenge: How far do you need to go to get God’s attention; or adjust your mindset and attitudes. Who are outcasts today? How can we show compassion? How can we help those with physical handicaps? How can we show Christ in these situations. Why did Jesus address spiritual needs before he addressed physical needs?
14 Jesus went into Peter’s house and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 So he touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and began to serve him. 16 When evening came, they brought to him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, 17 so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: He himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases. (Matt 8:14-17) Capernaum (14): Jesus went to Peter’s house in Capernaum and found Peter’s mother with a fever. Peter’s Mother (15): Jesus touched her and the fever left. His touch was not needed to heal but expressed personal caring attention. No words were spoken. There was no request for healing. We do not know of any explanation, just that Jesus saw her, touched her, and she was healed immediately. And she began serving him – no indication as to how she served. It was her response to being healed. Notice that Matthew makes a distinction between sickness and casting out spirits or demon-possession. Demon-possessed (16): Matthew reported in verse 16 that people brought a demon possessed man. They came in the evening. Some suggest it was because of the sigma of demon possession. However, Mark said they came from the Synagogue, meaning it was in the evening after the Sabbath. Matthew goes on to report that Jesus drove out spirits with a word. And healed all who were sick. Illustrating his care for all and power over every need. Here the healing was with a word, not a touch. Prophesy (17): Matthew reported that Jeus healing people was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesy (Isaiah 53:4), proof that he was the Messiah.
When he came down from the mountain, large crowds followed him. 2 Right away a man with leprosy came up and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 3 Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 Then Jesus told him, “See that you don’t tell anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” (Matth 8:1-8) The Crowds (1): Great crowds or multitudes followed him - yet he took time to meet the needs of individuals such as the man with leprosy. Leper (2): The crowd opened a way for the leper to approach Jesus. He was required to call out “unclean, unclean” to make his presence known. Lepers were considered both physically unclean (touch) and ceremonially unclean, he could not participate in worship. Leprosy could mean one of several skin diseases or conditions. Being shunned, he lived separately, yet he heard about Jesus. There was no known cure for leprosy, but he came for healing – in faith, or as his only hope? He bowed down or knelt, showing respect and called Jesus, “Lord,” a polite address, or a recognition of his deity or significance. Touch (3): Touch – Jesus touched the man. That was unthinkable because it made Jesus unclean. Yet touch is a form of compassion and love. Jesus commanded the man to be clean, and he was healed - immediately. Jesus said two words, which in the Greek were: “I am willing” and “Be clean.” This was Jesus first reported healing of an individual. Matthew 4:23 reports that he went about healing every disease – in general. Go to the Priest (4); Jesus warned him not to tell anyone. Some suggest it was because: · Jesus did not want to be just a miracle-worker, or he did not want his teaching ministry hindered, · He did not want his death to come prematurely – his teaching ministry raised questions, but his healing ministry and actions/behavior created anger among the religious authorities. Further, Jesus told him to go to a priest, an action needed for the man to be restored to society physically and ceremonially. He was to give an offering or sacrifice. That meant having to go to the temple in Jerusalem. By doing this he made the religious authorities aware of the healing. In other words, give testimony about what the Lord had done. It is interesting that the law made provision for healing leprosy – a disease for which there was no known cure.
“Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you’ll recognize them by their fruit. (Matthew 7:15-19) Guard (15): Jesus warned the people to continually guard against or discern the seemingly valid message of false teachers, those who come or speak in God’s name but deceive believers. They sound legitimate, but their message is intended to distract and destroy the faith of believers. Jesus describes them as wolves covered in sheep skin. Their outer appearance covers their true nature and character. Fruit (16-17): We know false teachers by their fruit. In this case do their words and deeds match? Further, their message did not match the doctrine believers had been taught. To make his point, Jesus asked if thorns come from grapevines and thistles from fig trees. That is, what is taught should be measured against the source. Bad or diseased fruit spoils the crop. The application of his illustration is that even good people sin but that is not their character. On the other hand, non-believers may do good deeds but that does not reflect their true character. Godly teachers may be incorrect on occasion, but they do not intend to deceive. But the intent of false prophets and teachers is to deceive. Their message may appear to be true, but their intent is to deceive. Quality (18-20): In these verses, Jesus repeats what he had just said in different words. Good trees produce good fruit, and bad trees produce bad fruit. He then told his listeners to measure the way the teachers lived against their words. He extends the illustration by stating that rotten trees, those that do not produce good fruit, will be removed and thrown into the fire. Bad trees have no value and just take up space. Jesus’ point is that discipleship involves more than religious activity. He concludes the point on fruit by stating that the quality of the fruit is the test of the tree just as the quality of the fruit is the test of the teacher. Good teachers produce good fruit.
23 Now Jesus began to go all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 Then the news about him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. And he healed them. 25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. (Matthew 4:23-25) Teaching, Preaching, and Healing (23): This verse describes Jesus ongoing ministry throughout the 200 or so villages in the region of Galilee. He taught in their synagogues, or gathering places where people came to study the law, the center of Jewish life.), he proclaimed truth to those not familiar with the message, and healed the physical, emotional, and spiritual infirmities. His ministry met every need of the body, mind, and spirit. He was active. Unlike Rabbis who confined their teaching to a small group, Jesus cast a broad net. Healing (24): As a result, the word spread about him outside of the region of Galilee and the people brought those who were afflicted with every type of disease, those in pain, and those disabled mentally, physically, and spiritually. His healing ministry was miraculous as well as broad-based. Sickness happens because we live in a fallen world. That Jesus healed was a part of his overcoming evil. Matthew’s point is that Jeus healed every known aliment. This reads like a summary of his three years of ministry. Where (25): Jesus drew large crowds as indicated later with the feeding of the five thousand. The point here is where the people came from: east of the Jordan River and south to Jerusalem and Judea. Challenge: How can we follow Jesus example of sharing the good news?
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Starting Out 12 When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, along the road by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 16 The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. ,, 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:12-17) Jesus was not received in his hometown of Nazareth. Therefore, he moved on the Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. It and nearby villages were homes to many fishermen. While Jesus was ministering to the crowds along the shore, he called Peter and Andrew and James and John to accompany him in his ministry. As a result, they became witness to Jeus preaching, healing, and casting out demons. Upon hearing that John the Baptist had been imprisoned, Jesus left or abandoned Nazareth for Galilee. Luke explains that Jesus left Nazareth because of opposition to his preaching. While John’s ministry was in the wilderness, Jesus ministered among the people. Galilee was a major population and agricultural area. Jesus began is ministry in the region where the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali lived. Matthew’s point is that Jesus relocation to this area was to fulfill Old Testament prophesy – a major theme in Matthew and one that set his gospel apart from then other three. Galilee was located on a travel route and over time foreigners came to live there. Thus, the name Galilee of the Gentiles. (16): The area was a part of the northern kingdom where the people lived in disobedience (darkness) and engaged in Canaanite practices (a land of the shadow of death). This was a long pattern resulting in the Asyrian invasion and the capture and exile of the many people in the region. Morris indicates that the religious leaders of the day looked down on Galilee and invested little if any effort in meeting the needs of the “country cousins” who lived there. But this was the area where Jesus began his ministry. As Isaiah’s prophesy notes, a new day was coming to the region. Matthew indicates that when Jesus moved to Capernaum, he changed his message. He began with preaching – not healing or miracles. His message was to repent for their failure to obey the law. It came with a sense of urgency – because the end was near. Jesus two-fold message was the same as John’s. The message was that the God had sent his Son therefore the kingdom was in front of them in words and deeds. Further, there is the indication that the kingdom was yet to come. Challenge: How can people observe Jesus’ ministry today? What did Jesus mean by repent? What is an effective way of pointing people to the kingdom of God today?
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” , 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him. “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Matthew 4:8-11) High Mountain For his third temptation, Satan took Jesus to a high mountain where he could see the entire world or all the territories. Because the location of the mountain was not indicated, some believe he placed a mental image in Jesus mind. Again, we are dealing in the supernatural rather than physical. The amplified Bible translates it this way: Again, the devil took him up on a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the and the glory(the splendor, magnificence, preeminence, and excellence) of them. Satan showed him all the kingdoms or territories of the world, its brilliance, wealth, and wonders. The temptation was visual like the temptation of Eve in the garden. We should note that what Satan was offering will come in the millennial kingdom. Power and Authority Instead of attacking Jesus’s identity as in the past two temptations, Satan offered Jesus control over physical kingdoms. Jesus was sent to have dominion over spiritual kingdoms. And that in accordance with God’s plan. The question is who has control over the spiritual dominion. Jesus came to remove all the kingdoms from under Satan’s domination. Some suggest that this was a continuation of Satan’s battle with God over control. While Satan may rule the world, he does not have power, authority, and control over it. Again, Satan’s offer was to provide a shortcut around the suffering and shame of the cross. John Piper in his book, Desiring God, said: Satan does not "own" anything in the absolute sense, as God is considered the ultimate sovereign. However, biblical interpretations suggest he is seen as the ruler of the "present evil system of opposition to God," (john 12:31; 1 John 5:19) which includes control over the world's systems of evil, deception, temptation, and oppression. He has been granted temporary, restricted power and authority over these worldly things and can influence people and events within limits set by God. However, the temptation goes beyond control. It dealt with anything that appeals to the eyes, all that glitters. The issue here is a matter of worship. What do we worship? Jesus Response Once again, Jesus responded to this temptation first by rejecting Satan and the temptation, “Go away, Satan.” And then quoting Deuteronomy 6:13. By rejecting Satan’s offer he moved directly to the issue of who had the ultimate power, authority, and control. What Satan was offering was with in the power God had given him. Satan Departed Satan had nothing more to say. He was defeated here just as he will be in the final battle with the Lord. He had appealed to (1) the lusts of the flesh-bread, (2) the pride of life, power, and control, and (3) the lust of the eyes – splendor, and he failed. These were the same temptations the Israelites faced during 40 years in the wilderness. And Jesus responded by quoting Moses messages given at the end of that journey. Note: the angels of heaven were at the ready and came down to meet Jesus needs. 1. What lust of the flesh is distracting you from your calling? 2. Are you trying to control something that is not your responsibility? 3. What are you worshiping?
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” , 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” , (Matthew 4:5-7) Transported to a High Place Satan took Jesus to a high place. The method was clearly by supernatural means. The Greek for pinnacle is not clear whether it was the temple, Herod’s portico, or Solomon’s Porch all of which were very high. This was not witnessed by people which tells us that it was supernatural in its entirety. Prove Yourself Satan’s temptation was against Jesus identity as the Messiah, the Son of God. He was tempting Jesus to prove himself. In other words, “Do what the people expect of the Messiah, or appear in the sky or come suddenly to the Temple (Malachi 3:1). Doing so would have been against God’s will and disqualify him from being the Savior of humanity. Here, Satan misquotes Psalm 91:11-12 (command the angels coming to guard his ways). However, he left out the Psalmist’s admonition that what takes place must be in the Lord’s will. And doing what Satan was asking was not in accordance with God’s will or purpose for Jesus. Like the crowds at the crucifixion, Satan suggested Jesus save himself and avoid death on the cross or avoid the need for a sacrificial death. Again, Satan is dealing with the physical while Jesus mission was spiritual. Do Not Test Jesus did not argue against Satan’s misuse of scripture but moved directly a scriptural response: do not test God (Deuteronomy 6:16). Satan was suggesting Jesus save himself by a miracle. Scripture is clear, Jesus came as a substitute for us who deserve to die for our sins. Testing God is a matter of doing something stupid and asking God to eliminate the consequences or demand a miracle. Further, Satan’s temptation was an appeal for Jesus to test God in a situation outside of God’s will. What are some ways people might try to put God to the test? · Twisting scripture · Taking scripture out of context · Do stupid things
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” , (Matthew 4::1-4) Led by the Spirit “Then,” meaning following his baptism. The Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness (indicating a high place). The purpose was for Satan to test Jesus or cause him to do wrong. The Spirit led him away from civilization and into difficult terrain. Satan had rebelled against God. His rebellion having failed, he turned his attack on humanity. God did not tempt Jesus but allowed Satan to tempt him. Here, by being tempted, Jesus identified himself with humanity. Weakened State Jesus went without food for 40 days. The nature of the fast is not indicated, but the result was; he experienced intense hunger as the Greek indicates. This was a voluntary fast. The purpose of fasting is to focus entirely on prayer. Note that Jesus identified with humanity in his hunger. Further, Satan challenges us when we are alone, lonely, weak, tired, ill, angry, stressed, or bored. This is when Satan shows up. The Adversary Satan tempted Jesus by suggesting he turn stones into bread to satisfy his hunger. In other words, “You can meet your own physical needs.” Satan’s underlying thought was to get Jesus to prove that he was fully God. By meeting his own needs Jesus could not identified with the people to whom he came to serve. It is Written In response, Jesus quoted (Deuteronomy 8:3) where God met the needs of the Israelites in the desert by providing manna. “It is Written. . .“ the authoritative Word of God is an effective weapon against Satan’s temptations. Here, Jesus was pointing out the reliability of God’s Word. He relied on the Word. Satan’s temptation was to meet Jesus’ (and our) physical needs. Jesus response relates to his (and our) spiritual needs, our relationship with the Father. This is a common misunderstanding in our’s and other’s conversations with the Lord. He overcame the temptation using the same resources available to us. In the Lord’s prayer outline, are we to ask for our daily bread. Is that for physical or spiritual bread? · Physical bread – but it is readily available · Spiritual bread – needed each day – alluding to God providing manna to the Israelites in the wilderness
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?” 15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized. 16 When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17) Verse 6 states that John was baptizing people in the Jordan River. That means people were there to be baptized as well as the Pharisees and Sadducees. Submission and Humility Jesus came to John to be baptized. He came by choice, purposefully, voluntarily. The word baptism means to immerse or put under. It is a act of submission, being put under the authority of a superior. Baptism is an act of repentance, surrender, commitment, and obedience to God the Father. But Jesus did not need to repent. Why did he come to John for baptism? · Surrender and obedience · To launch is ministry · Identification with sinners Cleansing When John saw Jesus coming, he recognized him immediately as the Messiah. When Jesus asked to be baptized, John naturally objected because he, as a Jew saw baptism as a form of repentance and cleansing. And John recognized his own need for repentance and cleansing. The Right Relationship. Jesus told John to go ahead and baptize him “to fulfill all righteousness,” that is (1) confirm him as the Messiah and (2) to affirm John’s ministry. The verses above indicate that Jesus was looking for spiritual baptism not a water baptism as offered by John. · He saw it as a necessary step in fulfilling God’s purpose of salvation. · Jesus endorsed John’s ministry and message and linked his ministry with John’s. · Further, by baptism, Jesus identified himself with sinful people who need repentance and cleansing. · Moreover, he was going to be the substitute for them by his life and death. The Father’s Blessing/Endorsement. After being immersed, Jesus rose up and the Spirit of God anointed Jesus for ministry in a visible way. God spoke affirming Jesus as his son (relationship) and his ministry. (God affirmed Jesus on two other occasions: at the mount of transfiguration in front of his disciples (Matt 17:5) and before his crucifixion (John 12:27)). Note that when God said, “this is my son,” he was speaking to the people present. As Jesus came up (representing rising from the dead) the Spirit came down (representing empowerment for ministry). All three persons of the Godhead were present: the Father; Jesus, the Son; and the Holy Spirit. Why do we baptize believers? · To symbolize our repentance and cleansing · A representation of our own death, burial and resurrection · A willingness to identify with Christ (Romans 6:4) · Adult baptism: voluntary, intentional, reflecting repentance and identification with Christ. Why are words of affirmation important in a new endeavor? · To bring confidence · It is empowering · It is confirming even when some object