“YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN”
Matthew 9:1-17
Key Verse: 9:2b
Where did Jesus go and who was brought to him (1-2a)? Read verse 2b. What did Jesus see and say? What do the words “Take heart, son” and “your sins are forgiven” tell us about this man and about Jesus?
How did teachers of the law react and why (3)? What did Jesus’ questions reveal about them (4-5)? How did Jesus demonstrate his authority to forgive sins (6-7)? What did the crowd recognize about Jesus (8)?
Whom did Jesus call as his next disciple and how (9)? Who came to Matthew’s house to eat with Jesus (10)? What does this tell us about Matthew, Jesus, and Jesus’ disciples? Why do you think many tax collectors and sinners came?
What question was asked of Jesus’ disciples and why (11)? Read verses 12-13. How did Jesus explain eating with sinners? Why did Jesus’ critics need to learn God’s mercy (Hos 6:6)? What does Jesus’ purpose in coming mean to us all (13b)?
What question did John’s disciples raise and why (14)? How did Jesus answer and what does this mean (15)? What do the next two metaphors teach us about Jesus, his gospel, and his disciples (16-17)?