Matthew 9:1

Matthew 9 opens with Jesus healing a paralytic and forgiving his sins, provoking accusations of blasphemy from the scribes. He calls Matthew the tax collector to follow him, dines with sinners, and likens his ministry to a physician seeking the sick. The chapter closes with a series of miracles-healing a bleeding woman, raising a synagogue ruler's daughter, opening blind eyes, and casting out a mute spirit-ending with his call to pray for laborers.