This Man Blasphemes Matthew 9:3

Matthew shared how the people of the city where the demon possessed men were delivered by Jesus both “met” Jesus and “asked him to leave their coasts”, and afterward, “he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; your sins be forgiven you.” In chapter nine and verse three of his book, Matthew shared how the scribes said, “this man blasphemes” where we read:

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemes.

The verse reads, “And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, ...” Matthew began with the words, “and behold” or “and lo and see”, “certain” which means “some” “of the scribes” which means “men learned in the Mosaic law and in the sacred writings as interpreters and teachers” “said” which means “utters, declares and proclaims” “within themselves” or “among the scribes”. Matthew referred to “some” of the “scribes” speaking among themselves.

The verse continues, “... This man blasphemes.” Matthew added the words, “this man” which refers to “Jesus” “blasphemes” which means “speaks reproachfully, rails, calumniates and in an evil manner”. The “scribes” concluded that Jesus was speaking “evil and reproachfully”.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how there were people who made judgments concerning Jesus. Those who were the religious leaders took aim at Jesus and were inspecting His every word and deed. Though they assessed that Jesus “blasphemes”, they were wrong. Just because they were authorities in the scriptures does not mean the “scribes” were always right in their conclusions. God desires a relationship with every person through His Son Jesus who only speaks the truth, and those who are wise shall submit their lives to Him and receive Him as the truthful “Savior and Lord” today.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus asked the scribes, “wherefore think you evil in your hearts?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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