This week’s devotions are based on the Week 9 “Explore God” – Relationships that Matter! (WATCH HERE)
Matthew 9:18 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.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. …
23 When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region.
This morning we continue our look at relationships Jesus affected in Matthew 9. Matthew was a tax collector…an outcast from society. A woman who touched Jesus’ garment suffered from continuous bleeding and as a result was perpetually unclean. When the woman touched Jesus he was on his way to help a synagogue leader.
Perhaps this connection may seem “normal.” Jesus was a known rabbi and it would seem natural for a synagogue leader to reach out to him…perhaps for insight into the Scripture or to be a guest speaker at the synagogue gathering. On this occasion the request was very personal. His daughter had died.
As a dad of two daughters, I can’t even begin to imagine the heartache that this man was in. I have to ask if I would have had the same confidence as this synagogue leader did to reach out and come before Jesus with the ask and confidence that if Jesus came and touched his daughter, she would live. As a pastor, one often feels like they have to be the one to encourage, comfort and be there for others when there is a time of tragedy and loss. But who is there to comfort the church leader when they experience a loss? This man has the opportunity to go to Jesus. Perhaps the relationship that needs Jesus is one who you think never does because they are always bringing Jesus to you. But to be sure, even leaders in God’s church, need God’s people to check in and see how they can be supportive and encouraging. God’s leaders need God’s people.
Jesus knew this and received the request of the synagogue leader. To be sure, many of the religious leaders of the day were more skeptical of Jesus than receptive. But this one is not. He has confidence in the healing power of Jesus. Jesus could have made a sweeping judgment on all those connected to the institution of the Jewish leadership at that time, but he doesn’t. Again he sees a soul that is hurting and a soul that is needing him. So he takes the time to step in and help.
Again a reminder in our relationships to not make sweeping judgments about a whole group of people and carry a bitterness toward all in that category. Respond to individuals. For in the group of the whole stand individuals who need Jesus.
When Jesus gets to the leader’s home, he finds the funeral mourners inside and out. He doesn’t join them, but dismisses them. They laugh when he comments the girl is sleeping. But his words were backed by his powerful hand which grabbed the hand of the girl and she sat up…alive. The impact spread throughout the region.
The Lord has not promised us the gift of physically raising people from the dead, yet the impact our witness of Jesus can have on one individual can have a ripple affect in a family or community like the raising of the synagogue’s leader’s daughter. The way you engage with one relationship with the Gospel can have widespread and generational impact beyond the immediate. Never underestimate the conversation you have, the care you show, or the time you take to build a relationship for Jesus. The blessing can be far reaching.
Apply: Don’t worry about the reaction of the crowd should you witness to Jesus and his love. The importance of a soul matters more than the reaction of a crowd!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love and concern for all people. Your mercy extends to all. Your power impacts lives for eternity. Your love affects the hearts of many. AMEN.