Authority Over Death: Matthew 9:18-26
“18) While He was saying these things to them, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” 19) Jesus got up and began to follow him, and so did His disciples. 23) When Jesus came into the official’s house, and saw the flute-players and the crowd in noisy disorder, 24) He said, “Leave; for the girl has not died, but is asleep.” And they began laughing at Him. 25) But when the crowd had been sent out, He entered and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. 26) This news spread throughout all that land.” Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26
We now have the story of a synagogue official whose daughter had just died. He came and bowed down to Jesus and begged Him to come and lay His hand on his daughter that she might live.
Five things stand out. First, the synagogue official did not send for a priest or rabbi. He knew they had no power over death.
Second, he had heard the stories about Jesus and concluded that His touch would bring life. He believed Jesus had authority over death.
Third, Jesus didn’t hesitate to follow him. He never encountered a challenge to big for Him. He was always ready and willing to help.
Fourth, Jesus had critics. When He came to the house to heal the girl, people laughed and mocked. This did not hinder Jesus from performing a miracle.
Finally, after He raised the girl from the dead, the news spread through the whole land. Jesus had become headline news. His popularity soon caught the attention of the religious leaders.
I don’t know what you’re facing, but I encourage you to turn to Jesus. He is more than willing to walk into your life.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
