9:1-8
A paralysed man was brought to Jesus. The man had an obvious need, to be healed of his paralysis, but Jesus’ first words were to pronounce his forgiveness. Why did He do this? The obvious answer is that forgiveness was actually his greater need, but may be because the man may have thought his condition was a result of his sin. Whatever the case, the teachers of the Law were offended, convinced that Jesus was blaspheming, assuming the right to do what only God could do.
Jesus knew what they were thinking. Note that he says they were having evil thoughts. Jesus then demonstrated the extent of His authority by healing the man. He also proclaimed that He had the right to forgive sins, and referred to Himself as “the Son of Man”. The crowd were amazed and praised God. The teachers of the Law were probably not as impressed. The crowd had a better idea of the significance of Jesus’ actions than the religious types.
9:9-13
Jesus was prepared to affront the sensibilities of the religious leaders, he was also ready to offend the general populace as well. For we now read of the calling of Matthew, now Matthew was a tax collector so would not be popular, Tax collectors worked on behalf of the hated Romans, and also were not averse to taking a slice for themselves as well. The Pharisees were also offended, for Jesus was happy to meet with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus announced that it was the ill who needed a doctor, not the healthy. The gospel is for sinners, and God is in the business of healing sinners.
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