How does Matthew 9:24 connect to other miracles of Jesus in the Gospels? Text of Matthew 9:24 “Leave; for the girl has not died, but is asleep.” And they began laughing at Him. Immediate Setting • Jesus has just crossed the lake, healed the woman with the flow of blood, and now enters the ruler’s house (Matthew 9:18-26). • The noisy crowd of mourners reflects accepted Jewish custom; Jesus removes them, signaling that something greater than ritual lament is about to occur. “Not Dead but Asleep” – The Phrase in Context • “Asleep” does not deny physical death; it declares Jesus’ power to rouse as easily as waking someone (cf. Daniel 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). • Same wording appears in the parallel accounts: “The child is not dead but asleep” (Mark 5:39; Luke 8:52). Connections to Other Resurrection Miracles • Widow’s Son at Nain – “Young man, I say to you, arise!” (Luke 7:14-15). Jesus again touches the bier and speaks a command, proving authority over death in public view. • Lazarus of Bethany – “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go so that I may awaken him” (John 11:11, 43-44). The same sleep metaphor, followed by a loud command, culminates in the climactic raising after four days. • Parallel Patterns: – Presence of mourners or skeptics (Matthew 9:24; John 11:33-37). – Clear verbal command from Jesus (“Little girl, get up,” Mark 5:41; “Lazarus, come out,” John 11:43). – Immediate restoration of life, underscoring divine authority (Matthew 9:25; Luke 7:15). Jesus’ Authority over Death and Unbelief • Dismissing the mockers in Matthew 9 highlights faith as the required atmosphere (Mark 5:40; Matthew 13:58). • Miracles confront scoffing with undeniable evidence, compelling a choice between belief and hardened rejection (John 11:45-48). Broader Miracle Themes in Matthew 8–9 • Authority over disease (leper, centurion’s servant). • Authority over nature (calming the storm, Matthew 8:26). • Authority over demons (Gadarene demoniacs, Matthew 8:32). • Authority over sin (paralytic, Matthew 9:6). • Culminating with authority over death (Jairus’ daughter), the section paints a complete portrait of the Messiah’s sovereign power. Takeaways for Today • Jesus meets every human limitation—sickness, chaos, evil, guilt, and even death—with effortless supremacy. • The “sleep” metaphor reassures believers that physical death is temporary in Christ (1 Colossians 15:51-57). • Clearing the room calls believers to remove voices of unbelief and stand in confident trust when seeking Christ’s intervention. |
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