IVP New Testament Commentary Series – We Need Forgiveness Even More Than Physical Healing (9:2)
Resources chevron-right IVP New Testament Commentary Series chevron-right Matthew chevron-right JESUS RULES NATURE-AND DISCIPLES (8:1-9:38) chevron-right Jesus' Authority over Nature and Disciples (8:23-9:17) chevron-right Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins (9:1-8) chevron-right We Need Forgiveness Even More Than Physical Healing (9:2)
We Need Forgiveness Even More Than Physical Healing (9:2)

Out of his care for us, Jesus places first things first (as in Ps 119:67, 71, 75). Although Jesus' miracles teach us about his power to heal physically, these signs are meant to turn our attention to the kingdom of God (Mt 6:33; 9:12). Thus in Acts signs and wonders constitute the primary method of drawing attention to the claims of the gospel, but it is the gospel itself that is paramount (as in Acts 14:3). In this narrative, physical healing certainly earns the crowd's attention (Mt 9:8), as miracles usually did (for example, 8:27, 34; 9:26, 31, 33).

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