The story of the healing of the paralysed man in Matthew 9 takes place early in Jesus’ ministry, before Matthew himself had been called as a disciple. When Jesus meets the paralysed man, His first words are, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” The emphasis is on forgiveness before healing. The religious leaders immediately accuse Jesus of blasphemy because they understand that only God can forgive sins.
Jesus responds by asking, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?” His point is clear: His ministry is not centred on religious rules or traditions, but on God's forgiveness and grace. The religious leaders could neither forgive sins nor heal the sick. Jesus then declares, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” and He heals the man. The miracle confirms His authority to forgive.
Later in the chapter, a ruler comes to Jesus with remarkable faith, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” What extraordinary confidence he had in Jesus!
On the way to the ruler’s house, a woman who had suffered from an issue of blood for twelve years approaches Jesus in fear and faith. She says to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I shall be made well.” There is something powerful about a touch – it brings comfort, reassurance, and healing. As she reaches out to Jesus, she is instantly healed. Jesus turns to her and says, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” Just as He had encouraged the paralysed man to “be of good cheer,” He comforts this woman, offering not only physical healing but also peace, acceptance, and restoration.
When Jesus arrives at the ruler’s house, the mourners are already there because the girl has died. Yet Jesus says, “The girl is not dead, but sleeping.” He sees beyond physical death to the promise of eternal life. We are all born as sons and daughters of men, but through faith in Christ we are born again as children of God.
There was little faith in that house – only the ruler believed. Jesus put the unbelieving crowd outside, went in, took the girl by the hand, and she arose. Once again, His touch brought life.
Then two blind men followed Jesus, crying out for mercy. Before healing them, Jesus asked a searching question: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They answered, “Yes, Lord.” Jesus replied, “According to your faith let it be to you,” and immediately their eyes were opened. This was not faith in an idea or a possibility; it was faith in a Person who can do the impossible.
I have always longed to see this kind of faith in the power of God – a faith that believes Jesus still works miracles today. Whenever I minister, I tell the congregation, “Don’t look at me; look at Jesus. He is the Healer.”
Throughout Matthew 9, those who came to Jesus recognised who He truly was. The ruler, the woman with the issue of blood, and the two blind men all recognised Him as the Messiah and placed their confidence in Him.
Their example speaks to us today. Recognise who Jesus is, come to Him, and reach out to Him by faith. He will never reject those who come to Him. Religion cannot forgive sins or heal the sick, but Jesus can. The question for each of us is this: Is your faith strong enough to come and touch Him? If you come to Him in faith, God will answer you.