2025 Study of Matthew’s Gospel #9

JESUS HAS COME TO CALL SINNERS

Matthew 9:1-13

Key Verse 9:13

1. What might the paralyzed man’s being brought on a mat indicate about his physical, emotional, and social condition? (2a)? What does Jesus’ recognition of their faith reveal about the nature of true faith (2b)? Why do you think Jesus addresses the paralyzed man’s sin before his physical condition (2c)?
2. What issue is Jesus addressing in his question to the teachers of the law (4-5)? What are the implications of the statement, ‘Jesus has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ for understanding his identity (6)? In what ways does the healing of the paralyzed man serve as a visible confirmation of Jesus’ authority to forgive sins (7-8)?
3. How does Matthew’s background as a tax collector help our understanding of his character, social status, and spiritual condition (9a)? What significance do you see in Jesus’ simple but powerful invitation, “Follow me” (9b)? What does Matthew’s immediate response teach us about the nature of true discipleship (9c)?
4. Why might the Pharisees have reacted negatively to Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners (10-11)? How does Jesus’ analogy of the healthy and the sick reveal his perspective on sinners (12)?
5. What does the statement “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” reveal about God’s character (13a, Hosea 6:6)? How does Jesus’ statement, ‘I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,’ reveal about the focus of his ministry (13b)?