Matthew 9:10

The Jewish people hated Jewish tax collectors (Matthew 5:46–47; 18:15–20). This was because they worked with Roman rulers. Jews considered them traitors against Israel. Many also considered them ceremonially unclean because of their contact with Gentiles and the images on Roman coins.

Tax collection was a private business. In each area, Rome gave the right to collect taxes to the highest bidder (compare Luke 19:1–10). Collectors kept any money they gathered above their bid. Out of greed, they often used threats to get the money.

Jesus, as Lord and Messiah, removed the obstacles that stopped righteous Jews from interacting with people considered ceremonially unclean or sinful.

There was debate and conflict among Jesus opponents. This included the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (Matthew 9:1–13), and also the disciples of John the Baptist (9:14–17).

Here, the kingdom of God appears with supernatural power (see Matthew 4:23–25; 11:2–6). It reaches people who were previously excluded from God's blessings. This included:

• non-Jewish people,

• lepers,

• blind people,

• sick women,

• people possessed by demons,

• tax collectors,

• those with long-term bleeding, and

• the dead.

Jesus showed compassion to people in need. But the religious leaders reacted with anger and opposition. Jesus called his followers to respond with faith and to walk in discipleship (living as his learners and followers).