His daughter had died, but he believed that Jesus could bring
her back to life, so the synagogue official made his way to Jesus and asked for
His help. Jesus followed the man, and
after stopping to heal a woman, made his way to his house. There he found a crowd in noisy disorder and
heard the flute players serenading her departure. He bid the crowd to depart, they began
“laughing at him” (Matthew 9:18-26).
Such responses were nothing new to Jesus. His behavior was anything but typical and His
activities were frequently met with skepticism or criticism. Matthew chapter 9 includes other examples of
this…
Some men brought a paralytic to Jesus to be healed. Jesus said, “Take courage, My Son, your sins
are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2). The
response of the religious leaders? They
accused him of blasphemy (Matthew 9:3).
On another occasion He was reclining at a table in a house
with His disciples and other guests, including many tax-gatherers and
sinners. The religious leaders took note
and asked the disciples why (Matthew 9:10-13).
Even the disciples of John were puzzled by Him. They fasted as did the Pharisees. But they questioned why Jesus and His
disciples did not fast (Matthew 9:14-17).
A dumb and demon-possessed man was brought to Jesus. Jesus cast out the demon and made the man to
speak. The multitudes marveled, but the
Pharisees attributed His work to the devil (Matthew 9:32-34).
He was questioned and criticized by both friends and foes and
those who didn’t know any better. They questioned everything about Him--His
motives, His ability, His ministry style, and His choice of friends. They accused Him of blasphemy, but the man
was both healed and forgiven. They
wondered about his questionable friends, but He had come to seek and save such
people. They were puzzled as to why His
disciples didn’t fast--but why should they in the presence of the bridegroom? They accused Him of healing by the power of
the devil, but since when does the devil work against himself (Cf. Matthew
12:25-29).
They were laughing at Him, but no doubt stopped when the
little girl arose (Matthew 9:24). He was
ridiculed and mocked even as hung on a cross for man’s sin. To this day most doubt Him or while doubting
accuse Him of all sorts of things. The
cynicism, questions, and accusations should have ceased when He rose from the
dead. That great triumph over sin and
death proved His identity and worth. But
the laughing and criticism continues.
How patient and compassionate is Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! He was patient with the doubters and critics
when He walked the earth, He is patient still “not wishing for any to perish
but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He is Lord of all—one day every knee will bow
and every tongue confess that truth (Philippians 2:10-11). On that day all laughing at Jesus will cease.
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