Discovery BoxMatthew 9:11 
Context9:11 When the Pharisees 1 saw this they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 2
Matthew 9:14
Context9:14 Then John’s 3 disciples came to Jesus 4 and asked, “Why do we and the Pharisees 5 fast often, 6 but your disciples don’t fast?”
Matthew 9:18
Context9:18 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.”
1 sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.
2 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.
3 sn John refers to John the Baptist.
4 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been supplied in the translation for clarity.
5 sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.
6 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.
