Matthew 9:9-34
Dear RTB’ers,
Today, Jesus’ calling of Matthew (Levi) and another three healing miracles. Two of these healings were prophesied by Isaiah: Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. (Isaiah 35:5-6a) Matthew quotes the Old Testament far more than any of the other gospel writers, but he did not quote Isaiah for these two healings. Surprising.
Each of the past two days I have posted of Jewish leaders (scribes) following or challenging Jesus. Today we have another Jewish leader, a synagogue official (Jairus) actively seeking Him out, not for a healing but for a resurrection! Jairus speaking: My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live. (v. 18b) And Jesus complied. I’m struck at the faith of this synagogue official, to believe that Jesus could raise the dead…! Along with Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, one wonders at whether Jairus became a follower, either actively or silently. How could he not, every moment that he saw his daughter up and moving about?!
We see mention of “the house” twice today, in verses 10 and 28. Presumably Jesus is in Capernaum, which was His “headquarters” during His Galilean ministry: And getting into a boat He crossed over and came to His own city. (v. 9:1) “The house” in today’s reading is likely Peter’s residence, where Peter lived with his wife and mother-in-law. Jesus probably stayed there when He was in town. The series, The Chosen centers a lot of Jesus’ and His disciples’ activity in that house.
REMINDER: Our monthly RTB gathering this Sunday in Nathan Hall after coffee hour (and cleanup). Come join us!!
Blessings!
See also: