Matthew Nine

Chapter Nine

I'm reading the NIV today.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=9&version=31

1 - 8 Jesus Heals a Paralytic

In this miracle, Jesus heals a paralytic ("Take heart, son;" he says, "you sins are forgiven"). Some teachers of the law accuse Jesus of blasphemy. Jesus states that the Son of Man has authority on earth to fogive sins. He tells the man to get up and walk, which he does.

9 - 13 The Calling of Matthew.

Matthew is sitting at a tax collectors booth when Jesus says, "Follow me." Matthew does so. Later Jesus has dinner with Matthew, tax collectors and other "sinners." The Pharisees see this and are upset. Jesus says, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick . . . "

14 - 17 Jesus Questioned about Fasting

John's disciples ask Jesus why they and the Pharasee's fast but his don't. Jesus: "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. . . " Then he tells about the patch of unshrunk cloth on a new garment and the new wine into old wineskins.

18 - 26 A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman

Jesus raises the dead daughter of a ruler and a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years.
IMPORTANT FOR THE BAND: "When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said "Go away. . ." The girl is not dead but asleep

27 - 34 Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute

Jesus heals two blind men "According to their faith." He drives a demon out of a mute man, causing him to speak.

35 - 38 The Workers Are Few

Jesus continues to teach, preach and heal. He says to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

QUESTION: Explain verse 15 in your own words. What does this have to do with fasting?