4/8/21
Gibbs, Jeffrey A. “9:32-35: Opposition from the Pharisees and Summaryt of Jesus' Ministry." Matthew 1:1-11:1. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2006, pp. 490-494.
Gibbs finds Matthew 9:32-35 to be indicative of Jesus' normal activity - teaching and healing. Here it is an exhibition of the power of God to rule over demons (Gibbs 2006, 491). This passage records three reactions to Jesus. The formerly mute man was able to speak. The crowd was amazed. The Pharisees, however, became increasingly hostile toward Jesus (Gibbs 2006, 492).
This passage, according to Gibbs' outline, is "the third miracle in the third triad of miracle stories" (Gibbs 2006, 492). The passage as a whole describes Jesus as God's Son, who has kingly authority over all creation. The miracles also show salvation as forgiveness from sin. Finally, Gibbs considers that the passage shows a salvation that is greater in scope than forgiveness of sin. Healing and restoration are also included (Gibbs 2006, 493).