Capernaum was the city center of Jesus’ ministry. (Mt 4:13) Some men carried a paralyzed man on a bed to Jesus. It is evident that they went through difficulty to bring him to Jesus because Jesus saw this as faith. Jesus did not immediately heal the man’s physical problem but he healed his spiritual problem by forgiving his sins. The scribes knew that only God can forgive sins; therefore, not believing that Jesus is the Son of God, they called this blasphemy. Jesus then healed the man, demonstrating to the crowd his authority over the physical, which meant that he has authority over the spiritual as well. (vv. 1-7)
This healing was so powerful that the crowd feared and glorified God, knowing that Jesus had authority that could only come from God. There was a man near by in a tax collector’s both who saw this; therefore, when Jesus said to him, “Follow Me!” Matthew obeyed. (vv. 8-9)
Jesus dined in Matthew’s house and Matthew’s friends came to the party. The Pharisees did not associate with such persons; therefore, they questioned Jesus’ actions. He told them that God desires compassion above religious practice. The apostle Paul wrote, “the kindness of God leads you to repentance.” (Rom 2:4) So, have compassion for those who are considered sinners because it may lead to repentance. (vv. 10-13)
Why do people fast? People fast because they are in anguish and desire God to act in a great way. Jesus’ disciples did not fast because they were with the Lord; however, we should fast and pray because he has not yet returned. The creation is in anguish until the Son returns and all is made new. (vv. 14-17)
Jesus showed compassion for a synagogue official whose daughter died. (vv. 18-19)
Reaching out to touch Jesus will heal your very soul. (vv. 20-22)
The people in the official’s home laughed when Jesus said that the girl is not dead because they knew she was physically dead. Jesus sent away the unbelieving but the believing remained to see the resurrection. Jesus raised the girl to life as he will do to all on the last day. (vv. 23-26)
Jesus healed two blind men who came believing that he had the power to heal him. They came because they heard from others that Jesus had the power to heal and when they were healed they told others that Jesus had the power to heal. No one who has felt the healing power of Jesus can keep it a secret, they are compelled to tell someone. (vv. 27-31)
The people were amazed by Jesus healing power but the Pharisees refused to believe that it was of God. However, they could not deny the healings, so they said that it was of the ruler of the demons. We should be careful what we call evil. (vv. 32-34)
Jesus had compassion for the people. He healed their diseases and sicknesses. The people were abandoned by the religious leaders in Israel; therefore, they were in need and Jesus had compassion for them. Jesus envolved the disciples to pray for compassionate workers. (vv. 35-38)
