The Authority of the Messiah: Healing, Calling, and Rest in Christ
- Be God's Glory
- Oct 13
- 11 min read
Welcome to Day 285 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
Chapters 9–11 of Matthew reveal the authority, compassion, and mission of Jesus as He demonstrates God’s Kingdom through both teaching and miraculous works. These chapters show Jesus exercising authority over sin, sickness, and spiritual darkness, while also commissioning His disciples to carry out His mission. He calls attention to the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on God’s power, confronting both the hardness of the Pharisees and the receptiveness of humble hearts. Jesus also emphasizes the cost of discipleship and invites the weary to find rest in Him, highlighting the balance between God’s power, human responsibility, and divine compassion.
Matthew 9
In Matthew 9, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority through powerful miracles and the forgiveness of sins. He heals a paralytic, showing that His authority extends not only over physical ailments but also over spiritual condition, revealing Himself as the Son of God who can forgive sins (v. 6–7). Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to discipleship, illustrating that God’s call reaches those considered outcasts or sinners. He also responds to faith, healing the woman with a chronic illness and raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead, emphasizing the importance of trust and perseverance in God. Additionally, Jesus shows compassion for the crowds, recognizing them as sheep without a shepherd, which foreshadows the need for laborers in God’s harvest. This chapter highlights both the authority and mercy of Christ, showing that faith is central to experiencing God’s power.
Matthew 10
Matthew 10 focuses on Jesus commissioning His twelve disciples for ministry. He gives them authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons, reflecting the same power He wields in His own ministry. Jesus warns of opposition and persecution, emphasizing that following Him requires courage, sacrifice, and complete dependence on God. He teaches that God provides for those who faithfully serve, likening disciples to sparrows valued by God and instructing them not to fear human rejection. Jesus also clarifies the mission’s priorities: His followers are called to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven, challenge sin, and prioritize God’s truth above personal comfort or familial approval. This chapter shows the balance of authority, responsibility, and dependence on God in carrying out His work on earth.
Matthew 11
In Matthew 11, Jesus addresses doubt, rest, and judgment. John the Baptist, imprisoned, sends messengers to ask if Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus responds by pointing to His miraculous works as fulfillment of prophecy, confirming His authority and divine mission. He commends John’s role as the forerunner and challenges the cities that rejected His message despite witnessing His mighty works. Jesus offers rest for the weary and burdened, inviting all to learn from Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light (v. 28–30), revealing His gentleness, compassion, and desire for intimate relationship with His followers. This chapter underscores both the accountability of unbelief and the comfort available to those who trust in Christ, balancing divine judgment with mercy and invitation.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Matthew comes from the Hebrew name “Mattityahu”, which means “Gift of Yahweh” or “Gift of the Lord.” This name beautifully reflects Matthew’s role as one chosen by God to record the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Before following Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector, a profession often despised in Jewish society, yet his name signifies that God can transform anyone into a vessel of divine purpose and truth.
Purpose of the Book:
The Gospel of Matthew was written to present Jesus Christ as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the rightful King of the Jews. Its primary purpose is to prove that Jesus is the promised Savior who fulfills the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Matthew emphasizes the Kingdom of Heaven, a theme unique to his Gospel, portraying Jesus as both the divine Son of God and the authoritative teacher who reveals the righteousness of God’s kingdom. The book bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection complete God’s redemptive plan. Matthew’s Gospel also provides a blueprint for discipleship, emphasizing faith, obedience, and spreading the good news to all nations (Matthew 28:18–20).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The author of the Gospel is traditionally identified as Matthew, also called Levi, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He was a Jewish tax collector before Jesus called him to follow Him (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27–28). Early church tradition strongly affirms Matthew’s authorship.
Internal Evidence: The Gospel includes detailed financial references (such as the coin in the fish’s mouth in Matthew 17:27 and the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30), which align with Matthew’s background as a tax collector and accountant.
External Evidence: Early Christian writers confirm Matthew’s authorship:
Papias (c. A.D. 100–140), as quoted by Eusebius in Ecclesiastical History (Book 3, Chapter 39), wrote: “Matthew composed the oracles (sayings) in the Hebrew language, and everyone interpreted them as he was able.”
Irenaeus (c. A.D. 180), in Against Heresies (Book 3, Chapter 1), stated that “Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect while Peter and Paul were preaching in Rome.”
Origen (c. A.D. 230) and Eusebius both affirmed Matthew as the author of the first Gospel.Additionally, the Gospel itself aligns with Jewish customs and thought, indicating that its author had a deep understanding of Jewish law and prophecy—consistent with Matthew’s identity as a Jewish disciple.
Key People:
Jesus Christ – The central figure, revealed as the Messiah, King, and Son of God.
Mary and Joseph – The earthly parents of Jesus, demonstrating faith and obedience.
John the Baptist – The forerunner who prepared the way for Christ through repentance and baptism.
The Twelve Disciples – Including Peter, James, John, Andrew, and Matthew himself, chosen by Jesus to continue His ministry.
The Pharisees and Sadducees – Religious leaders who opposed Jesus and represent hypocrisy and legalism.
Pontius Pilate – The Roman governor who authorized Jesus’ crucifixion.
Mary Magdalene – A faithful follower of Jesus who witnessed His resurrection.
The Angel of the Lord – A recurring messenger of God’s direction and revelation throughout the narrative.
Conclusion
The Book of Matthew serves as a powerful declaration that Jesus Christ is the promised King and Savior who fulfills God’s covenant promises. It bridges prophecy with fulfillment, law with grace, and Israel’s hope with the world’s redemption. Matthew’s Gospel calls believers to recognize Jesus not only as the Messiah of Israel but as the Redeemer of all humanity. Through His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus reveals the heart of God and the call for His followers to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. The book concludes with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), reminding us that God’s purpose for His people is to share His truth, make disciples, and continue His work on earth through faith, obedience, and love.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Matthew 9
In Matthew 9, God is revealed as compassionate, merciful, and sovereign over both physical and spiritual realms. He shows His heart for the broken, forgiving sins and healing the sick, demonstrating that His power extends beyond human limitations. God’s character emphasizes that He sees the faith of individuals and responds to their needs with mercy and authority. The lesson He teaches in this chapter is that faith unlocks His power, and He calls all people, even those considered outcasts, into His Kingdom.
While no specific Hebrew names are directly mentioned in this chapter, God’s actions reflect Jehovah Rapha (“The Lord Who Heals”), showing that He restores both body and soul. The chapter teaches that God’s authority and compassion work together: He invites us to trust Him fully, rely on His power, and respond in faith.
Matthew 10
In Matthew 10, God reveals Himself as authoritative, wise, and faithful. He empowers His disciples to carry out His work on earth, demonstrating His sovereignty over both physical and spiritual realms. God is also a provider and protector, teaching that He values obedience and courage over comfort and human approval. The lesson in this chapter is that following God requires boldness, total dependence on Him, and a willingness to face opposition while trusting in His provision and guidance.
Although no Hebrew names are explicitly stated, God’s nature as Yahweh Tsidkenu (“The Lord Our Righteousness”) is reflected in the authority and mission He gives His disciples. The chapter teaches that God equips and commissions His people to act righteously, stand firm in faith, and rely on Him to accomplish His purposes despite challenges.
Matthew 11
In Matthew 11, God is revealed as compassionate, gentle, and inviting. He responds to doubt with truth, offering rest for the weary and encouragement for those burdened by life’s challenges. God’s character is patient and understanding, showing both justice toward those who reject Him and mercy toward those who seek Him. The lesson of this chapter is that God invites all to trust Him, find peace in His presence, and experience relief from the weight of sin and spiritual weariness.
While no Hebrew names are directly mentioned, God’s nature reflects Jehovah Shalom (“The Lord is Peace”) in the rest and reassurance He offers. The chapter teaches that God desires a personal, trusting relationship with His people, and His gentleness provides spiritual comfort and guidance to those who come to Him in faith.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Jesus’ healing of the paralytic in Matthew 9 reveal God’s authority over both sin and sickness?
What does God’s calling of Matthew, a tax collector, teach us about His compassion for those considered outcasts or sinners?
How does God demonstrate His faithfulness and provision for His disciples in Matthew 10, even in the face of persecution?
What does Jesus’ invitation to “come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28) reveal about God’s gentleness and care for the weary?
How does God’s patience and understanding shine through His response to John the Baptist’s doubts in Matthew 11:2–6?
In what ways does God’s sovereignty over spiritual and physical realms become evident through the miracles in Matthew 9–10?
How does God’s nature of justice and mercy balance in these chapters, particularly in His warnings to rejecters and blessings to faithful followers?
Questions About Themes:
How do these chapters highlight the theme of faith as a key component for experiencing God’s power and provision?
What role does discipleship play in Matthew 10, and how is it connected to the authority and mission of Jesus?
How do Matthew 9–11 emphasize God’s compassion toward the marginalized, the sick, and the spiritually burdened?
What does the theme of obedience under persecution in Matthew 10 teach about trusting God in challenging circumstances?
How do the miracles in Matthew 9 and the commission in Matthew 10 reinforce the theme of the Kingdom of Heaven breaking into the world?
How is rest and spiritual relief portrayed as a central theme in Matthew 11, and why is it significant for God’s people?
What do these chapters teach about the contrast between faith and unbelief, particularly in the responses of the crowds, John the Baptist, and the cities that rejected Jesus?
Reflective Application Questions:
How can you apply the lesson of faith from the woman who touched Jesus’ garment in Matthew 9:20–22 to your current life situation?
In what ways can you respond to God’s call like Matthew did, leaving behind what is comfortable to follow Christ fully?
How does the instruction in Matthew 10 to trust God in the face of persecution challenge your current walk with Him?
What practical steps can you take to live out compassion and mercy in your daily interactions, reflecting Jesus’ heart in Matthew 9–10?
How can you find rest and renewal in Christ today, as Jesus invites the weary in Matthew 11:28–30?
How do you discern when to boldly step out in faith and share the message of Jesus, based on His commission of the disciples in Matthew 10?
What areas of unbelief or doubt could you surrender to God, learning from the example of John the Baptist’s questioning in Matthew 11:2–6?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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