Matthew 9:18-26 Derision

While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. … When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.News of this spread through all that region.” Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26

“…But they laughed at him.”

When Jesus enters the house of the religious leader, family and friends are mourning the loss of a young woman who has died. Their laughter at the word “sleeping” is not based in humor, but scorn. Jesus’ statement makes no sense. They know she is dead. His response is not to apologize, nor explain what he meant by “sleeping.”  Rather, He sends them out of the house because he has a task to complete for His Father’s glory.

Would the people truly leave at the command of someone they did not know? Probably not, but they will if the girl’s father tells them to. This man is an important part of this story. Being a religious leader in the community, he has a high standing among his family and friends. Yet, he seeks out Jesus and believes He will be able to heal his daughter. The father risks the very same scorn directed at Jesus by ordering everyone out and letting Him be alone in the house. His faith, and his hope that Jesus can help his family, has become stronger than any need to be admired or respected by those around him.

If we have a relationship with Jesus and have experienced even a small amount of the peace that comes with such a connection to God, could we walk into a scenario like this with the same certainty? How many times have people, family or friends laughed in some way at our faith? Take a scroll through social media news feeds to see the scorn for those who feel death is like falling asleep, to awaken in a new and better place?

When we walk into whatever metaphorical house we’ve been invited, do we show the same confidence in Jesus as the father in the story? Are we able to shrug off any scorn that might come our way? This derision is the reaction of people who do not understand, nor see beyond their own experiences in the world around them. Sometimes people will try to shake your faith, if only to see how strong it is. The best way to earn their respect– rather than scorn – and to be the light we are called to be is to stand tall and, if that does not work, send them out of the house, metaphorically speaking.

Remember, Jesus always walks beside us, and His faith is unshakeable. Lean on Him, hold His hand if necessary, and He will give you the conviction you need.

Pray
 
Holy Father, may I never waver in my faith, but stand firm in my relationship with you. The people laughed because they did not understand. But Jesus did. Help us to, as well. Amen.

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