Matthew 9:11

9:11 When the Pharisees saw this they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Matthew 9:14

The Superiority of the New

9:14 Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don’t fast?”

Matthew 9:18

Restoration and Healing

9:18 As he was saying these things, a ruler came, bowed low before him, and said, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and she will live.”


sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.

sn The issue here is inappropriate associations. Jews were very careful about personal associations and contact as a matter of ritual cleanliness. Their question borders on an accusation that Jesus is ritually unclean.

sn John refers to John the Baptist.

tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been supplied in the translation for clarity.

sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.

sn John’s disciples and the Pharisees followed typical practices with regard to fasting and prayer. Many Jews fasted regularly (Lev 16:29-34; 23:26-32; Num 29:7-11). The zealous fasted twice a week on Monday and Thursday.