Matthew 9:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion,

NIV: When Jesus entered the synagogue leader's house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes,

NASB: When Jesus came into the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd in noisy disorder,

CSB: When Jesus came to the leader's house, he saw the flute players and a crowd lamenting loudly.

NLT: When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music.

KJV: And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

NKJV: When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing,

Jesus and the disciples were following Jairus to his house. This ruler of the synagogue had asked Jesus to make his daughter well, though by the time they set off to see her, she was already dead (Matthew 9:18–19; Mark 5:21–24). After being delayed by the woman who touched the edge of His cloak and was healed (Matthew 9:20–22), Jesus and His followers arrive at Jairus's home.

When they arrive, the period of ceremonial mourning has already begun. Very quickly following death, professional mourners would come to make a great commotion on behalf of the friends and family. Instruments would be played amidst loud wailing. This seems unusual to modern readers, especially in the west, but these were the common aspects of mourning—much as flower arrangements and "viewing" services are in modern times.

In the following verse, Jesus will command the mourners to leave. He will tell them the girl is not dead, after all.

Matthew 9:18–26 begins with the arrival of a ruler of the synagogue. He tells Jesus that his daughter has just died, but that she will live if Jesus comes and lays His hand on her (Mark 5:21–24). Jesus and the disciples are following the man to his house when a woman in the crowd touches the edge of Jesus' garment. As also indicated in the gospel of Mark, she is immediately healed from a 12-year illness (Mark 5:25–29). Arriving at the home of the man, Jesus sends away the professional mourners. He takes the dead girl's hand, and she is restored to life (Mark 5:35–43).

Matthew 9 continues to show how Jesus authenticated His claims to be the Messiah by powerful miracles of healing and casting out demons. He heals a paralyzed man after telling the man his sins are forgiven. He calls Matthew to follow Him and eats dinner with Matthew and other tax collectors. He answers questions from Pharisees and others. A woman who touches His cloak is healed from a 12–year illness, and Jesus raises a dead girl back to life. He restores sight to blind men and speech to one who is demon oppressed. He is filled with compassion for the crowds.

Matthew 9 follows the same pattern of Matthew 8, showing through miraculous works of healing that Jesus is truly the Messiah. Christ forgives the sins of a paralyzed man and heals him. He calls Matthew to follow Him and eats with tax collectors and sinners. A woman is healed by touching His garment and a dead girl is given life by the touch of His hand. Two blind men see, and Jesus casts out a demon, restoring speech to its victim. Finally, Jesus declares that the harvest is plentiful and tells His followers to pray for workers. Chapter 10 builds on this compassion as Jesus commissions the Twelve to go and deliver His gospel to the people.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.

Accessed 4/28/2024 4:22:02 PM