Matthew 9:35Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This was not a mere natural defect; but was from the malignity of the dæmon; and therefore he needed to be brought of others, for he could not ask any thing of others as living without voice, and the dæmon chaining his spirit together with his tongue. Therefore Christ does not require faith of him, but immediately healed his disorder; as it follows, And when the dæmon was cast out, the dumb spake.

The Lord, in His profound love for humanity, does not remain passive, awaiting individuals to seek Him. Instead, He actively reaches out so that no one can claim they were not instructed. Through His actions and teachings, He engages others, performing miracles and imparting wisdom.

This account of the two blind men and the dumb dæmon is read in Matthew only. The two blind men of whom the others speak are not the same as these, though something similar was done with them. So that even if Matthew had not also recorded their cure, we might have seen that this present narrative was of a different transaction. And this we ought diligently to remember, that many actions of our Lord are very much like one another, but are proved not to be the same action, by being both related at different times by the same Evangelist. So that when we find cases in which one is recorded by one Evangelist, and another by another, and some difference which we cannot reconcile between their accounts, we should suppose that they are like, but not the same, events.

As the blind receive light, so the tongue of the dumb is loosed, that he may confess Him whom before he denied. The wonder of the multitude is the confession of the nations. The scoff of the Pharisees is the unbelief of the Jews, which is to this day.

This Gospel writer conveyed a similar message in the fourth chapter (Matt. 4:17), where it is elaborated upon. Reference is also found in the first chapter of Mark (Mark 1:38), and within the insights of that chapter, one can discern the difference between hail and weight. He traveled through every city and village among the Jews so that no one could claim, He did not come to us.

But by the knowledge of God the frenzy of superstition being chased away, the sight, the hearing, and the word of salvation is brought in to them.

Figuratively; As in the two blind men were denoted both nations, Jews and Gentiles, so in the man dumb and afflicted with the dæmon is denoted the whole human race.

They who brought the dumb to be healed by the Lord, signify the Apostles and preachers, who brought the Gentile people to be saved before the face of divine mercy.

Observe how God's providence and mercy reach out to both the esteemed and the humble! Jesus Christ journeyed through cities filled with the affluent and renowned as well as through areas where the meek and marginalized resided. He entered homes where crowds had assembled, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom, which assured those who had faith of an everlasting and heavenly realm, dispelling the shadows of disbelief and illuminating spirits. Additionally, He healed every affliction and ailment, revealing Himself as the ultimate Benefactor and Savior of both soul and body.

Jesus traveled throughout all cities and villages, instructing both the wise and the unlearned, reaching out to the affluent and the impoverished alike in their places of worship. He proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom while healing every illness and ailment among the people. Instead of waiting for individuals to approach Him, He actively sought them out, ensuring that no one could claim they were not given the opportunity to learn from Him. Through His words and actions, He attracted everyone to Himself, performing teachings and miracles. Reflecting on the Lord's wonders, one Church teacher (Archbishop Nicephorus) expresses: ‘O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God! Bestow upon us also the miracles we have heard in Thy Holy Gospel.

The narrative surrounding the commissioning of the twelve apostles to proclaim the Gospel is closely linked to the overall public ministry of Jesus as outlined in the preceding chapter. Matthew ties this event to the broader context of Jesus' mission, providing a summary of His works (9:35, which closely resembles 4:23). This summary illustrates how His ministry attracted a multitude of individuals, creating a situation where their spiritual needs could not be met by Him alone. Consequently, Jesus felt compassion for the crowds, likening them to sheep without a shepherd, suffering from burdensome constraints imposed by the numerous laws and rituals of their Pharisaic teachers, and feeling neglected. This was the impetus for sending out twelve of His disciples to share His message (36-38). Additionally, Mark provides a brief introduction to the commissioning of the apostles (Mk. 6:6b).

As the Good Shepherd (John 10:14), Jesus Christ, as stated by the Holy Father, took the initiative to reach out to those in distress rather than waiting for them to approach Him. He brought them the two greatest gifts: the proclamation of the kingdom and healing from their afflictions. He journeyed through numerous towns and villages in Galilee, sharing His message in the synagogues and curing various ailments and illnesses.