Highlighted New Testament Bible

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Sunday, February 20, 2011

St Matthew, Chapter 9, verses:24-26, Christ restores Life.

Our paragraph topic is: (Christ raises the ruler's daughter to life) Part 2.  

Christ has arrived at the house of the ruler to see his daughter.  When he arrives he finds mourners and flute players and a din of noise by the crowds that has gathered in preparation for the burial of the child.  He speaks, first to death, saying, "Begone," then to the people, saying, the girl is sleeping and not dead.  The crowd scorns him and ridicules him with their laughter.  But all are cleared from the house and the house becomes quiet.  Christ now enters the house and takes the hand of the girl.  With his simple touch she awakes and arises from the dead.

St Matthew tells us this miracle in such a quiet way to show the simplicity of how it was done.  First Christ comes to the scene and notices the crowds that had gathered.  The word had spread about Christ and many knew of the miracles that he had performed.  Here was a young girl that had died and the crowd knew that fact.  But Christ comes and makes the announcement that the girl is not dead but simply sleeping.  What does he do?  He dispels the rumors that will spread as a result of his performing this miracle.  He gives the crowd an explanation as to what seems like a simple process that is easily understood by the people.  The girl is just sleeping.  He dispels the idea that she is dead and he is there to bring her back from the dead.  Such words would have created a great panic and fear throughout the country that a man could restore life to the dead.  In making this statement the anxiety in the crowd is eased even to the point of laughter.  

The dead girl came to life and the rumors spread.  The word of this miracle spread throughout the district and one can only imagine what spin was placed on this word that caught every ear that heard it.  Christ was the talk of the town.  People from far and wide heard of him.  Rulers, kings, administrators, generals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, everyone would have heard the news of his miracles and the things that he performed.  Christ did not seek fame.  Christ did not seek fortune.  Yet they followed him.  Christ only sought to do the will of his father in heaven.

St Matthew tells us this simple story to show the humility of Christ.  No fanfare, no press, no flashing lights did he desire.  He went about doing the will of God.  Many scoffed and laughed.  Many doubted and scorned him.  Many doubted his words and still do today.  If Christ reached out his hand to touch you today, will you allow him to restore you to life?