Jesus continued going with the Jewish leader and went into the leader's house. Jesus saw people there that make music for funerals. And he saw many people there upset {because the girl died}.
Jesus said, "Go away. The girl is not dead. She is only asleep." But the people laughed at Jesus. After the people were put out of the house, Jesus went into the girl's room. Jesus held the girl's hand, and the girl stood up. The news about this spread all around the area.
- Matthew 9:23-26 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
I'm amazed at how often Jesus left the crowds and went off to pray or how he resisted the crowds and still generously shared his acts of compassion.
So often today, we have the tendency to think that things have to be big and attract a big "audience" to be impressive and have an impact on our community. In reality, very seldom is God's work done by a crowd. Jesus' ministry was blessed because of God's grace and Jesus' faithfulness, not because of some slick marketing scheme.
Don't get me wrong; I believe we find every available means to ethically reach people with the Gospel. But notice that Jesus' ministry expands, not because he does this miracle to prove something to the crowds, but because he does something to care for a broken family in a private but powerful way.
PRAYER:
Oh Lord, please give me the heart to give the highest earthly priority to people so that caring for others is second only to you in my ministry. Help me to not only see those around me that need your Son as Savior, but to minister to them in genuine ways that will help them come to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures:
When Jesus came near the town gates, he saw a funeral. A mother, who was a widow, had lost her only son. Many people from the town were there with the mother while her son was being carried out.
When the Lord (Jesus) saw her, he felt very sorry for her. Jesus said to her, "Don't cry." Jesus walked to the coffin and touched it. The men that were carrying the coffin stopped. Jesus said to the dead son, "Young man, I tell you, get up!" Then the son sat up and began to talk. Jesus gave him to his mother.
All the people were filled with fear. They began praising God and said, "A great prophet has come to us!" And they said, "God is taking care of his people." - Luke 7:12-16
13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
- Matt. 14:13-14
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