Matthew 9: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 9 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus crossed over and entered his city, where he healed a paralyzed man after forgiving his sins (vv. 1-8). Next, he called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him.

Key verse

“For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk?’
Matthew 9:5 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 9:1–8 Healing the Paralytic
Matthew 9:9–13 Call of Matthew
Matthew 9:14–17 Teaching on Fasting
Matthew 9:18–26 Miracles of Healing
Matthew 9:27–34 Healing the Blind and Mute
Matthew 9:35–38 Compassion and the Harvest

Discussion questions

In v6, why does Jesus say to the paralytic, 'Get up, and take up your mat'?
What do the multitudes do in v8 when they see the paralytic healed?
In vv. 14-15, what does Jesus mean by saying the bridegroom will be taken away?
In v34, why do the Pharisees claim Jesus casts out demons by the prince of demons?
When have you felt like someone in need of mercy, as the tax collectors and sinners did in v10?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 9: Mark 2, Luke 5, Luke 19.

Before next time: read Matthew 10.