Lesson 6: Matthew 9 | “I Desire Mercy”: Faith, Healing and the Harvest

The opening chapter discussion revisits the call to follow in Matthew 8, examining cost, sacrifice and loyalties.

The class explores how discipleship may bring difficult choices and why the demand cannot be understood only as an opportunity for visible success.

Matthew 9 then brings together forgiveness, healing and the call of Matthew. Jesus’ words about the sick and the physician become a discussion of reaching sinners without losing holiness. The question about fasting examines how religious practice relates to the presence and purposes of Jesus. The later encounters consider faith, healing, publicity, opposition and the wisdom needed to fulfill an assignment.

The lesson encourages students to observe not only what Jesus does, but how He responds to particular people and circumstances.

Learning outcomes
1. Explain the discipleship priorities discussed from Matthew 8.
2. Connect mercy with Jesus’ response to sinners in Matthew 9.
3. Describe the fasting discussion in its narrative context.
4. Identify one example of ministry wisdom from Jesus’ encounters.

Lesson navigation
00:50:14 Introducing the chapter discussion
00:54:51 Following Jesus and competing priorities
01:29:36 Forgiving and healing the paralytic
01:31:55 Matthew joins the team
02:08:32 The question about fasting
02:38:55 The girl and the woman
02:56:59 The blind men
03:04:26 The compassion of Jesus