Matthew — Chapter 9

What is the greatest need in life? Perhaps a person is in a financial bind, has some broken relationships, or a physical ailment. But if those all were fixed, would they have a perfect life? In this sermon on Matthew 9:1–8 titled “Reconciled to God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches through the account of the paralyzed man whose greatest need was fixed by Jesus. This man had heard that Jesus could heal him and had faith that Jesus could do it. His faith brought him to have his friends lower him through a roof to get to Jesus; he was a desperate man. Yet Jesus offers something so much more than just the physical healing of the man—Jesus forgives his sins. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds listeners that unless sins have been forgiven, no one is able to live a truly happy life regardless of how “good” their situation may be. Jesus is the only one who has the power and authority to forgive anyone of their sins. He alone can save, and all must come to Him with faith like the paralytic. The Savior is always ready to forgive needy sinners.

What does it mean to be called by the Lord Jesus Christ? In this sermon on Matthew 9:9 titled “The Call of Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks to the example of Matthew, a tax collector whom Jesus called one day. Matthew responds to this call by leaving his old sinful life behind and committing himself to Christ. This demonstrates that the call to be a Christian is a call to leave behind the old way of living and to seek Christ Jesus and His kingdom. It is an uncompromising commitment to love God and follow His commandments, not out of self-preservation, but out of a new love for God and neighbor. To be a Christian is to follow Jesus and to obey His commandments. This is done first and foremost by believing in His gospel and the fact that He is the Savior sent from God. How does this apply today? Being a Christian in modern times is fundamentally the same as it has always been because it is about following Christ and believing in His gospel. It is about trusting in Jesus in the midst of suffering and persecution, and pursuing God in all aspects of life. The call to be a Christian is one that all must accept because it is the only way to eternal life.

In this sermon, "Follow Me", from Matthew 9:9, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones helps the listener understand the meaning when Jesus says “Follow me.” Much more serious than being lost in a strange place, all of humankind is completely lost in their sin. Jesus says that all are blinded by their sin, dead in their trespasses, and condemned before a Holy God. When Jesus says to follow Him, He means that He alone must be followed. Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that salvation means to follow Jesus and to become a slave to Him. It is not a light decision, but the rewards are worth it. To follow Jesus may mean loss of friends, persecution, and even death; but it also means that all sins are forgiven, the blessing of the most loving companion, and measurable joy. If anyone is burdened by sin today, they can lay them down at Jesus's feet and see that He will gladly take them if one will only follow and trust His way.

In this sermon on Matthew 9:10–13 titled “What is Christianity?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers questions that will determine a person’s eternal destiny. Learn about the wrong idea of Christianity and what living a “good life” really means. A Christian should not assume that they are a Christian as this is dangerous. The Pharisees were among those who were farthest from understanding the truth, yet they thought they were the wisest. God demands the spirit not merely sacrifices. The Christian must consider both the spirit of the law and the letter of the law. Religion must require sacrifice, but it is not merely about external observances. Listeners are encouraged to consider their view of themselves, religion, and others. Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses the doctrine of repentance and the necessity to understand the weight of one’s own sin and acknowledge the need for mercy. Christ has come for the sinner to make them an heir and child of God. There is hope in the midst of utter hopelessness and helplessness. Jesus left the courts of glory for His people. No one is too far gone, and all can be received.

What is it about Christianity that brings about such strong reactions from people? In this sermon on Matthew 9:14–17 titled “The Effect of Christianity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how believers and unbelievers both have strong opinions on Christianity. Some are hostile to Jesus and His claims, some want to reduce Him to a mere teacher of morality, and others claim that He is the Savior of the world. All these responses were present in the days of Jesus when some believed in Him and became His disciples, while others rejected Him and ultimately put Him to death. Jesus was opposed because He contradicted the false and hypocritical religion of the day. While many were only concerned with the outward appearances and looking good, Jesus taught that true religion was a matter of the heart. No one can make themselves holy or pure before God. That is why Jesus came to die and suffer in the place of sinners. This idea of Jesus dying for sinners is as offensive today as it was in the time of Jesus. People do not want to be told that it is only by believing upon the suffering servant that they can be saved, but it is this message of a crucified King that is the only means of salvation for all who believe.

What is at the center of Jesus’s message? What is at the heart of all the parables and teachings of Jesus? In this sermon on wineskins from Matthew 9:16–17, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches that it is not the external ritualistic religion found in many churches today, nor is it the message of works righteousness. But at the heart of the message of Jesus is the truth that the gospel is the power of God to save. It is the truth that Jesus is the Messiah who came to die for sinners. By the working of the Holy Spirit, sinners can repent and believe in Jesus. They can be set free from sin and the wrath of God because of the gospel. The very presence of the gospel transforms people and confronts sin; it destroys the old life and breathes new life in Christ. What does this message mean for each and every person? The gospel is a call to believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. It is a call to experience the new life in Christ free from sin and evil. The gospel calls all to repent of their sins and trust in Jesus.

What are the essentials of the Christian gospel? In this sermon on Matthew 9:36 titled “Sheep Without a Shepherd,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones analyzes this passage in which Jesus sees a multitude of people and has compassion on them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones recognizes the unique authority of Jesus, the truth of the sinful disposition, and the comfort that only Christ can bring as essentials of the gospel. He examines the human condition and finds that all are still sheep without a shepherd. Despite the appearance of development and progress, life is the same. The multitude is rightly related to sheep in the way they are fainting, scattered abroad, harassed, mangled, and distressed. They are sheep at the mercy of thieves and robbers, dogs and wolves. Men and women are in a state of bewilderment and all have gone astray. The world is without a shepherd—no politician, no statesman, no philosopher, or thinker can give rest from this bewilderment. Yet, Jesus Christ looks upon humanity and is moved with compassion. Jesus does not belong to the multitude, so He can be the Good Shepherd that is needed. He is the only hope for the world. Listeners are encouraged to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd so that they may find rest and peace.