Matthew 9:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This truth resonates with the Evangelists, whose accounts encapsulate teachings that can be likened to a honeycomb filled with honey and milk, providing clear moral instruction—nourishing not only those who are spiritually mature but also those who may be less developed, much like spiritual milk. It is noted that they ‘spoil’ rather than merely ‘abundantly pour out’ from the mouth of the spiritual bride, highlighting the boundless depth of the wisdom and power of the Heavenly Bridegroom alongside His manifold manifestations. Indeed, as the profound Evangelist states, ‘the things which Jesus did, even if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written’ (John 21:25). This single drop, for us, holds in it the vastness of an ocean.

Having recounted the miracle of the paralytic as Mark conveyed it to the Church, we seek to illuminate this subject further. Even today, by examining this same event through Matthew’s narrative, we will discover a wealth of spiritual nourishment; the riches embedded in this account will be plentiful for all, akin to the loaves with which the Lord fed the multitudes in the wilderness, multiplying them as He distributed them. Initially, I offered you the honey of this narrative with both a straightforward and more morally adherent interpretation of this miracle. Now, having drawn forth the honey, I will, as time allows, kindly serve it to all gathered here for a spiritual feast. We have established that the paralytic mentioned is not the same man described by the Apostle John as healed in Jerusalem, and we have discussed why this city, Capernaum, is uniquely referred to as ‘His’ city. By providing a taste of the honeycomb’s interior, we have taken this Gospel narrative as a guiding example towards a virtuous life, revealing that Jesus’ ‘His’ city, to which He came, signifies this world, as stated in the Evangelist’s text: ‘He came to His own’ (John 1:11).

We have also conveyed that every human soul resembles a paralytic; when it turns inward and seizes its mind, it is subsequently brought to the Lord through four means: self-contempt, confession of sins, a promise to refrain from wrongdoing, and prayer to God. However, as we listen to Matthew recount that Christ boarded a boat, crossed over, and reached His own town, we uncover an alternate yet harmonious meaning with Mark’s account. Specifically, the universal Saviour, having embraced our humanity, traversed the sea of this life and arrived at His city—His exalted throne and dwelling place, above all beginnings and powers and beyond any name or authority, known in both this age and the age to come. This indeed is ‘His place,’ the only suitable abode for Him. In expressing this, the Psalmist declares: ‘The heaven of heavens is the Lord's’ (Psalms 113:24), emphasizing that the heavens are the true dwelling of God. However, upon returning to His rightful place, the Lord retained our humanity. Therefore, this Evangelist notes that Jesus entered the boat and crossed over without stating that He ‘came out of the boat’; instead, he mentions that ‘entering the boat,’ He crossed over and came to His city while still in our bodies, abiding in the celestial realms.

Matthew recounts, “and returned from the country of the Gergesenes, where He had healed the man possessed by demons, and crossed to His own city, namely Capernaum, where He chose to stay." In keeping with His humble nature, Christ the Savior entered the city discreetly; however, news of His arrival spread rapidly. A multitude gathered at the house where He was staying—possibly at the home of the Apostle Peter—so that there was no space even at the entrance while He shared a message of gospel truth. Among the listeners were Pharisees and law teachers from various regions, not just nearby Galilee, but also from Judea and even Jerusalem. Their intent was not for their spiritual edification but rather to scrutinize the teachings of this new Teacher who had no formal training, believing such an absence disqualified Him from instructing others. Their hearts were already embittered against Christ, seeking to find fault in Him according to the law of God. Yet, the Lord did not deter them from entering His residence, instead enabling them, as knowledgeable of the Scriptures, to gain a proper understanding of His identity. He affirmed His teachings through miraculous acts, demonstrating the power of the Lord as seen in the healing of the sick (Luke 5:17).