Matthew 9 records a run of encounters with Jesus: a paralyzed man forgiven and healed, a tax collector called to follow, a grieving father, a bleeding woman, two blind men and a mute man. Below you will find observation, interpretation and application questions for a small group, a Sunday class or personal study, along with leader notes, key verses to read aloud and a closing prayer. Use the questions in whatever order fits your time.
Matthew 9 at a Glance
The chapter moves quickly from one scene to the next, and each scene shows Jesus meeting someone at a point of need. It opens with forgiveness and healing for a paralyzed man, then turns to Jesus’ table fellowship with sinners and his teaching about fasting. Next comes a sequence of healings driven by faith: a synagogue leader’s daughter, a woman who touches Jesus’ cloak, and two blind men. The chapter closes with Jesus’ compassion for the crowds and his call to pray for workers in the harvest.
Notice how often the chapter contrasts those who see clearly with those who do not, whether it is the scribes, the Pharisees, the crowds or the blind men. That contrast gives the questions below a common thread to follow.
Observation Questions
Begin here so the group stays anchored in the text before anyone moves to meaning or application. Ask people to point to the verse that supports each answer. Short, factual responses are the goal at this stage.
Matthew 9:2
Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you.”
(WEB)
This verse introduces the paralyzed man and records Jesus’ words of forgiveness before any physical healing occurs. Reading it aloud sets the tone for the whole chapter by putting spiritual restoration first.
Matthew 9:12-13
12 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 13 But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
(WEB)
These lines explain Jesus’ purpose in welcoming sinners and quote the call to mercy over sacrifice. Reading them aloud helps the group hear the heart of his response to the Pharisees.
Matthew 9:22
But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.
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Jesus turns to the woman and names her faith as the source of her healing, speaking to her with tenderness. Reading this verse slowly gives the group space to reflect on how faith and healing meet in this moment.
Matthew 9:36-38
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
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This passage shows Jesus’ compassion for the crowds and his instruction to pray for laborers. Reading it aloud is a natural way to move the session toward prayer and mission.
Matthew 9:28-29
28 When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They told him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.”
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Jesus asks the blind men whether they believe he can help, and then he responds to their answer. Reading these verses together helps the group consider the role of belief in receiving what Jesus offers.
Memory Verse for Matthew 9
Matthew 9:37
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
(WEB)
This short verse captures Jesus’ view of a plentiful harvest and a shortage of workers, which invites the group into both prayer and service. Memorizing it gives everyone a simple reminder to notice needs around them and to pray for those who can meet them.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you meet people in their need, as you did with the paralyzed man, the grieving father, the woman who reached for your garment and the two blind men who called out to you. Give us eyes to see the crowds around us as you do, and a willingness to be moved with compassion rather than passing by. Where we feel burdened or guilty, let us hear your words of forgiveness and courage. Send workers into your harvest, and let us be among those who pray and follow where you lead. Amen.
