Tackling Tradition 49: Healings in Matthew’s Gospel

 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.  (Matthew 9:1–8, ESV)

There are people who think that the New Testament’s account of Yeshua’s ministry is essentially fable/tall tale, & who criticize it by pointing to texts like this.   Their commitment to metaphysical &/or scientific naturalism is so strong that they rule out the miraculous partly or in whole. 

Others, who have been taught that the world/cosmos isn’t a metaphysically naturalistic (&/or anti-supernatural) enterprise, might think that the text can only be interpreted as case of direct, supernatural intervention in the real world.  Consequently, if someone suggests that the text might nor or doesn’t not refer to a bona fide miracle, then the person who believes (or who otherwise articulates) that view couldn’t possibly be an inerrantist &/or believe in & practice Soma Scriptura.

Let’s look at this passage is light of Isaiah 53.   Why?  Because the author’s pattern is to present a healing & connect it to Isaiah. 

And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. 16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”  (Matthew 8:14–17, ESV) 

Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

5  But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.  (Isaiah 53:4–5, ESV)

Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all 16 and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

18  “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,

my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.

I will put my Spirit upon him,

and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.

19  He will not quarrel or cry aloud,

nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;

20  a bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not quench,

until he brings justice to victory;

21  and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”  (Matthew 12:15–21, ESV)

In addition to fulfilling Isaiah 53:4 (which isn’t quoted), it fulfills Isaiah 42:1 - 4, which is quoted. 

Now, let’s look at the text of Matthew 9:1 - 8.  

And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.  (Matthew 9:1–8, ESV)

The point of the text is to connect the text to Isaiah 53:4.    The author’s are telling us that Yeshua is the Archetypal Suffering Servant who came to forgive our sins & heal our infirmities.    The emphasis of the text is not so much on the literally miraculous nature of the event a great deal of Ecclesiastical Tradition believes this to be as much as it is about the identity of Yeshua & how He & His ministry fulfill Isaiah 53:4.

Regardless of whether the text depicts a bona fide supernatural miracle or an instance of medical missions, the purpose of the text is fulfilled & the more mundane point of view is therefore well within the bounds of Orthodox, Roman Catholic, (Evangelical) Protestant orthodoxy.  

O LORD, Hear our prayer!