Two views of the synagogue referred to in Matthew 12:9:
The phrase
their synagogue
shows that it relates to the same Pharisees who were involved in the preceding conflict. The synagogue Jesus enters is probably the one in Capernaum.By referring to the synagogue as theirs, Matthew stresses that the Pharisees were on their own turf. Even after they confronted Jesus, he did not avoid their synagogue, opting to celebrate the Sabbath together with them in obedience to the fourth commandment, but they are opposed to him and seek to ensure that their synagogue will not remain his synagogue for long.
Interpretation 1:
The reason Matthew 12:9 speaks of their synagogue
is in order to indicate that it here pertains to the very same Pharisees who were involved in the preceding conflict. The specific synagogue which Jesus has in mind here is probably the one in Capernaum.1
Interpretation 2:
By referring to the synagogue as theirs, Matthew is emphasizing that the Pharisees are now on their own turf. It is noteworthy that even after they confronted Jesus he did not avoid their synagogue but opted to celebrate the Sabbath together with them in accordance with the fourth commandment. The phrase their synagogue
highlights the specific development at the time: that although Jesus in his love does not pass them by, they in turn remain opposed to him and seek to ensure that their synagogue will not remain his synagogue for long.2
9 Etant parti de là, Jésus entra dans la synagogue.