Matthew 9 is full of famous stories where Jesus performed one miracle after another for sick and hurting people. If Jesus were to ever fill out a job application, His references listed would have quite the stories to tell!
I want to focus on verse 9:24 today. It says, “Leave,” he said, “because the girl is not dead but asleep.” And they laughed at him.”
Wow. Can you imagine laughing at Jesus? He could have easily told everyone who laughed at Him what all He had just accomplished and was about to do for this girl. He could have preached scriptures to them. He could have told them a million different truths about who He was and what He could do. He could have told them that the God of the entire universe is His Father! He could have called an army of angels right there, but He didn’t! He simply went about His work, healing the one He came for that day. This sets a perfect example for us. You see, I know there have been and will be times when others will laugh at you for your faith in Jesus. They will mock you and say all sorts of mean things about whatever task God has called you to do. During those times, I want you to remember this story. Remember how Jesus simply kept about His work and how it literally saved the life of that girl? Verse 25 says, “After the crowd has been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up.” He didn’t waste time on the haters. He had one goal in mind, which was to help the girl who couldn’t help herself. When others say mean words and laugh at you for following Jesus, keep moving forward and rush past them to the ones who need the Good News of Christ!
Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes I get mad or sad when others laugh at me. It makes me feel angry and even embarrassed. Help me to be strong when others mock me for doing Your will. Thank you for setting the perfect example of what to do when God calls us to do big things for others in Your Holy Name. You are the One we are to obey and follow, no matter who laughs at us. Amen.