Matthew 9:1–17 reveals Jesus as the King who has authority to forgive sinners, came to call sinners to Himself, and is the mediator of the New Covenant. Through the healing of the paralytic, the calling of Matthew, and His teaching about fasting, Jesus shows that He came not for the self-righteous, but for those who recognize their need for Him. Because of Christ, we are free to obey not to earn God's acceptance, but because we are already accepted in Him—living lives of grace, love, forgiveness, and worship in response to what He has done.