Lesson 13

I.       Observation

A.     Outline

Question about Fasting (9:14-17)

Question from John’s disciples and Jesus’ answer (14,15)

Incompatibility of the old and the new (16,17)

Raising the Dead Girl and Healing the Woman with Bleeding (9:18-26)

Healing Two Blind Men (9:27-31)

Healing the Mute and Demon-Possessed Man (9:32-34)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

Fast, old, new, came to Him, faith, believe, marveled.

II.    General Analysis

1a. He believed without a doubt that Jesus was able to do the impossible.

1b. She believed that Jesus was so powerful that even touching His garments would make her well. Her many years of illness did not make her doubt for a moment whether what she hoped for was possible.

1c. Before they asked for Jesus’ mercy, they had already believed that Jesus was the Messiah. With that knowledge, they called out to the Lord for help. Although Jesus did not heal them right away, they kept following Him into the house.

2. “While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came…” (18).

“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came…” (20).

“When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him…” (27).

“As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed.” (32)

III. Segment Analysis

1. John the Baptist had at one point told his disciples that Jesus was the bridegroom and he was the friend of the bridegroom (Jn 3:29). The coming of the Messiah should be an occasion of joy. It was after the Lord was taken from them that the disciples would fast (Acts 13:3; 14:23).

2. It was not appropriate for the people to try to fit the ministry of Jesus in the old framework of Pharisaic laws. As Jesus stressed in His teachings on the mount, the coming of God’s kingdom must be accepted with a new mind and attitude, not with the rigid and superficial religious observances.

3a. We notice that Jesus asked them this question after the men had followed him for a while and finally into the house. Perhaps Jesus’ delay in response and His question to them was a test to their faith.

3b. Sometimes when our prayers are not answered immediately, the very act of waiting with patience would be a sign of faith in God. In the meantime, we should also examine and strengthen our belief in God’s power.

4a. As it will become more apparent later on in the Lord’s ministry, the Pharisees and other religious leaders considered Jesus’ teachings and deeds a threat to their prominent status among the people. While the multitudes marveled at God’s power, the Pharisees’ eyes were blinded by their jealousy and self-centeredness.

4b. When we shift our attention from God’s work to our own glory, we easily become biased in our attitude and judgments. Instead of praising God for His deeds and acknowledging the gifts others have received, we would feel threatened. Out of selfish ambition, we may even criticize those whom God has used to carry out His work.

5. From the gospels, we see that the recording of Jesus’ healings was to show that He had divine authority and power. Therefore, faith on the part of the person asking for healing or help that Jesus was the Messiah was essential. Without faith in who Jesus is, miracles would become just a spectacle and would not lead people to a saving knowledge of God.

6. Faith means accepting Jesus as Lord and the Anointed One of God. Faith means believing that nothing is too difficult for the Lord. Faith means removing all fear. Faith means submitting to God’s will and timing. Faith means humbly asking for mercy.