Message Notes

(I) THE RESPONSE OF THE MULTITUDES TO JESUS

1. Response to the healing of the paralytic

“Now when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled and glorified God, who had given such powers to men.” Matthew 9:8

2. Response to the healing of the demon-possessed mute

“And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitude marvelled, saying, ‘It was never seen like this in Israel!’ ” Matthew 9:33

3. Significance of the response of “marveling”

a) New understanding and experience

b) New realization

c) Great sense of awe

d) Leading up to glorifying God

(II) NOT ALL RESPONDED POSITIVELY

1. The scribes accused Jesus of blasphemy (Matthew 9:3)

a) They saw Jesus as only a mere man

b) They could not recognize His true identity as the Messiah

2. The Pharisees accused Jesus of being in league with the demons

“But the Pharisees said, ‘He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.” Matthew 9:34

3. Significance of these remarks

a) Spiritual blindness

b) A hardened heart

c) An arrogant spirit

d) An evil inclination

i) Determined to attack Jesus

ii) Seized every opportunity to speak against Jesus

(III) THE GREATNESS OF JESUS

Matthew 9:35-37

1. His unwavering commitment to do what He was sent to do

a) Teaching

b) Preaching

c) Healing

2. His deep compassion

a) For the multitudes

b) For the harvest field