Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 9:35
This verse summarizes the heart of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. It also provides the rationale for the new phase of His ministry through the Twelve. read more
This verse summarizes the heart of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. It also provides the rationale for the new phase of His ministry through the Twelve. read more
1. Jesus’ compassion 9:35-38 (cf. Mark 6:6)This section summarizes the previous incidents that deal primarily with healing and prepares for Jesus’ second discourse to His disciples. It is transitional providing a bridge from the condition of the people that chapter 9 revealed to what the King determined to do about that condition (cf. Matthew 4:23-25). Jesus’ work was so extensive that He needed many more workers to assist Him. read more
Until now, Matthew presented the crowds as those Galileans who listened to and observed Jesus with wonder. Now they become the objects of Jesus’ concern. His compassion for the multitudes recalls Ezekiel’s description of God’s compassion for Israel (Ezekiel 34). "Distressed" (NASB) really means "harassed" (NIV). It pictures the Jews bullied and oppressed by their religious leaders. They were "downcast" (NASB) because they were "helpless" (NIV). No one was able to deliver them. They lacked... read more
Jesus’ figure of speech in addressing His disciples, however, was an agricultural one. He wanted to infuse His compassion for the multitudes into them. Jesus viewed Israel as a field composed of many stalks of grain. They needed gathering for placement in the barns of the kingdom. They would die where they were and the nation would suffer ruin if workers did not bring them in soon. Unfortunately there were not enough workers to do this massive task. Consequently Jesus commanded His disciples to... read more
9:13 is (c-7) See Hosea 6:6 . read more
9:16 new (d-8) Lit. 'unfulled,' 'unmilled.' read more
9:18 this (e-22) Mark 5:23 has 'is at extremity;' Luke 8:42 'was dying.' It is possible that Matthew may give the result of the servant's message. It may be translated 'has just now died,' or 'has even now died.' see Revelation 2:8 . read more
9:31 name (a-10) Or 'fame' -- translated in ch. 28.15 'is current' and in Mark 1:45 'spread abroad.' read more
9:34 through (b-10) En , 'in the power of,' read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 9:34
The reaction of the Pharisees contrasts with that of the crowd in the sharpest possible terms. They attributed Jesus’ power to Satan, not God. They concluded that He came from Satan rather than from God. Instead of being the Messiah He must be a satanic counterfeit. Notice that the Pharisees did not deny the authenticity of Jesus’ miracles. They could not do that. They accepted them as supernatural acts. However they ascribed them to demonic rather than divine power.This testimony to Jesus’... read more