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Matthew 9

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

And he arose, and departed to his house.

But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

What does Matthew 9:14 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 9:14 captures an inquiry by the disciples of John the Baptist regarding fasting practices.

Fasting often (or frequently) was a common religious exercise among the Jews, particularly for the Pharisees and the followers of John, who were known for their asceticism.

The disciples are perplexed as to why Jesus' disciples do not engage in the same rigorous observance of fasting.

This question opens up a discussion on the appropriateness of fasting and Jesus' approach to religious practices.

The deeper meaning here touches upon the distinction between outward religious rituals and the internal disposition of joy and celebration associated with the presence of the Messiah, Jesus.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, fasting was a significant aspect of Jewish religious life.

It was practiced as a way of expressing mourning, repentance, and a desire for God's intervention.

The Pharisees fasted twice a week (Luke 18:12), and John's disciples also followed a strict regimen of fasting.

This practice was expected and respected within the community.

Fasting was also associated with waiting for the coming of the Messiah, which further contextualizes the disciples' question to Jesus.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may offer insights into this verse:

Traditional Christian interpretation might focus on the idea that Jesus' presence meant that the anticipated time had come, and therefore the typical expressions of mourning and repentance through fasting were being replaced by celebration.
From a messianic Jewish perspective, this moment highlights the transitional nature of Jewish observance as Jesus introduces a shift from the old to the new covenant.
Liberation theology could see this as an example of Jesus challenging empty religious rituals and advocating for a religion that is life-giving and celebratory of God's presence.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can encourage individuals to evaluate their own religious practices and traditions. It raises questions such as:

Should religious observances be performed out of habit or out of a sincere heart?
How does the presence of Jesus in one's life transform traditional practices and observances?
This can lead to embracing a faith that celebrates God's presence rather than being solely fixated on rituals.

Cross-References

Luke 5:33-35: Jesus explains the reason for his disciples not fasting by comparing himself to a bridegroom, with whom it is inappropriate to fast while he is present.
Luke 18:12: A Pharisee boasts about fasting twice a week in his prayer, showing the common practice of the Pharisees.

Language Study

The terms "fast" and "fasting" in this context come from the Greek word "nésteia," which means "fasting" or "a voluntary abstinence from food." The emphasis on the frequency ("fast oft") indicates that the practice was regular and considered an important part of religious life.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Fasting is a practice found across many religions. For example:

In Islam, Ramadan is a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, fasting is used as a means of purification and spiritual discipline.
The ancient Greeks and Romans practiced fasting for various religious and health reasons.

The motivations and practices may vary, but the concept of temporarily renouncing physical nourishment to focus on spiritual matters is a recurring theme.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science has studied the health impacts of fasting, noting potential benefits such as improved metabolic health and reduced inflammation.

However, in the context of this verse, the focus is not on the physical benefits but on the spiritual and social implications of religious practices.

Commentaries

Commentary on this verse varies among scholars:

William Barclay notes that this is a poignant question that ultimately points to a new age brought in by Jesus, a time for joy, not for fasting.
John Calvin suggests that this exchange establishes the freedom of Christians from the old law and ceremonies.
Adam Clarke emphasizes that fasting is inappropriate at times of spiritual rejoicing, just as it would be out of place at a wedding celebration.

Matthew 9

Matthew 9

What does Matthew 9:14 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 9:14 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?