In chapters 8 and 9 of his Gospel, Matthew reports ten miracles that Jesus performs. In chapter 8 we found five miracles of grace demonstrating the “width” of Jesus’ ministry, reaching out those who are most alienated: lepers, Gentiles, women, and demoniacs. In chapter 9, as opposition to Jesus begins to build, we discover the “depth” of Jesus’ ministry through five more miracles reaching down to those who are most hopeless. Our text also focuses our attention of the freedom that Christ brings to our lives through faith. Woven among the stories of a hopeful father of a dead girl, a determined woman with a blood disease, and audacious men concerned over their sick friend, we learn how Jesus sees faith and touches the human need bringing freedom. Salvation is by grace (chapter 8) through faith unto freedom (chapter 9)
