What can we learn about faith from the crowd's reaction in Matthew 9:25? Setting the Scene “After the crowd had been put outside, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.” (Matthew 9:25) What We Notice about the Crowd • They had just laughed at Jesus (v. 24). • Their mockery showed settled unbelief, not honest doubt. • Jesus physically removed them before He acted. Faith Lessons Drawn from Their Reaction • Unbelief can surround us—but it must not define us. • Faith makes room for Christ’s power; scoffing pushes it away. • A hard heart misses divine moments (cf. Hebrews 3:12, 19). Why Jesus Put Them Outside • To isolate unbelief (Mark 5:40). • To create an atmosphere where faith could flourish (Matthew 13:58). • To teach that miracles aren’t performed for entertainment but to reveal God’s glory. Warnings for Today • Mockery of God’s promises invites exclusion from His works (Psalm 1:1; James 1:6-7). • Familiarity with religion can breed contempt when it isn’t paired with trust (Mark 6:5-6). • Public opinion is an unreliable compass for spiritual truth (John 12:42-43). Encouragement for Believers • Choose the company of faith-filled people (2 Corinthians 6:14). • Align words with belief—no “laughing on the inside” while reciting pious phrases (Proverbs 18:21). • Expect Christ to act when His Word is honored, regardless of the crowd’s mood (Hebrews 11:6). Living It Out • Guard the doorway of your heart: escort disbelief outside before it settles in. • Give Jesus the space—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—to “enter” and take situations by the hand. • Celebrate His works openly so faith can multiply in others (Psalm 40:9-10). |