Matthew 9:6 NIV
"But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, take your mat and go home."
Jesus authority goes beyond healing the sick and calming storms. Jesus, by claiming to forgive sins, is claiming to be more than just a man. He is God for only God can forgive sin. Yet nobody seems to really get it.
Matthew 9:8, 11 NIV
When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. ... When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
The crowds rejoice that God has given such authority to man. Meanwhile, the Pharisees continue to challenge Jesus' authority. In contrast, the two blind men that Jesus healed spread the word. They may not have fully understood, and they were clearly told to keep it quiet, yet they told everyone.
Matthew 9:31 NIV
But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
The crowds in this chapter seem to miss the significance of Jesus words and actions. The religious elite oppose Jesus no matter what he does. The outcasts of society fail to obey Jesus even though they have been restored to wholeness by him. I see a bunch of spiritually deaf, hardhearted people that are more interested in themselves and their religious systems than in who Jesus really is and what he wants done. I'm guessing that's what the disciples saw too. What does Jesus see?
Matthew 9:36, 37 NIV
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
Jesus saw need and ministry opportunity. Father, I fear that I too often miss seeing the crowds through Jesus eyes. Today give me eyes to see the harvest, and raise up workers for the harvest as Jesus challenged his disciples to pray.
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