Matthew 9:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

NIV: But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

NASB: But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout that land.

CSB: But they went out and spread the news about him throughout that whole area.

NLT: But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.

KJV: But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

NKJV: But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.

Jesus has once again commanded someone He has miraculously healed not to tell anyone about it (Matthew 8:4; 9:30; Mark 5:43). Once again, those who have been healed immediately disobey Him (Matthew 9:25–26). The two blind men who have just been given their sight by the Messiah went away from Jesus and spread His fame throughout the district. It's hard to know how they could keep such a secret from those who knew them; when blind men suddenly see, it's a hard thing to keep quiet.

Part of Jesus' reasons for these commands is to keep His fame and reputation as the Messiah from getting out of control. Christ was sent to accomplish a specific plan: which did not include raising an army (John 18:36). Rather, His purpose was to die for the sins of humanity (John 12:32–36). If the crowds grew too large and aggressive (John 6:15), it could alter Jesus' timetable. Still, God remained in full control of the timing and events of Jesus' life.

Matthew 9:27–34 describes the healing of two blind men and one mute man. The blind men follow Jesus in the crowd, crying out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." They believe Jesus is the Messiah and that He can make them see. Jesus does so, but they disobey His command not to tell anyone. Next, a demon-oppressed man is brought to Jesus. The demon has made the man unable to speak. Jesus casts out the demon, and the man starts talking. The crowds marvel at this, but the Pharisees decide Jesus' power over demons comes from Satan.

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 5/18/2024 8:39:35 PM