How does Matthew 9:25 connect with other resurrection miracles in the Gospels? Setting the Scene in Matthew 9:25 “After the crowd had been put outside, Jesus went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up.” Immediate Observations • A hostile, mocking crowd is removed—unbelief is silenced. • Jesus’ touch is gentle yet sovereign: one hand-clasp reverses death. • The result is instantaneous—“the girl got up,” testifying to literal, physical resurrection power. Parallel Resurrection Miracles in the Gospels • Widow’s son at Nain – Luke 7:11-17 – “Young man, I say to you, get up!” (v. 14) • Jairus’s daughter – Matthew 9:25; Mark 5:41-42; Luke 8:54-55 – “Talitha koum!” (“Little girl, I say to you, arise!”) (Mark 5:41) • Lazarus – John 11:1-44 – “Lazarus, come out!” (v. 43) • Saints raised at Jesus’ death – Matthew 27:52-53 – Tombs opened, many bodies of the saints “were raised to life.” • Jesus’ own resurrection – Matthew 28:5-6; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6; John 20:9 Common Threads Linking the Accounts • Divine command conquers death—each miracle hinges on Christ’s spoken word. • Personal involvement—Jesus approaches, touches, or calls by name. • Public witness—crowds, relatives, or disciples see undeniable evidence. • Growing revelation—each resurrection expands understanding of His messianic authority. Distinct Emphases Highlighted by Matthew 9:25 • Removal of scoffers underscores faith as the proper response (contrast Matthew 13:58). • The quiet, private setting stresses intimacy: Jesus is tender toward suffering families. • Demonstrates His authority over death early in His Galilean ministry, preparing disciples for greater works to come. Progressive Revelation of Power 1. Just-dead child (minutes or hours) – Matthew 9:25 2. Recently deceased teenager (Widow’s son) – same day funeral – Luke 7:14-15 3. Four-days dead adult (Lazarus) – John 11:39-44 4. Multiple saints at crucifixion – Matthew 27:52-53 5. Jesus’ own resurrection, firstfruits of all who will rise – 1 Corinthians 15:20 Each successive account widens the time gap between death and restoration, silencing any natural explanation and pointing to absolute dominion over the grave. Foreshadowing the Final Resurrection • John 5:28-29: “A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out.” • Matthew 9:25 serves as an early snapshot of that promised day; if He can raise one little girl, He can raise every believer. Personal Takeaways • His authority is not theoretical—He literally reverses death. • No situation is “too late” when the Savior speaks. • Faith flourishes when unbelief is put outside; guard the heart from doubt. • Every resurrection account points forward to the living hope of 1 Peter 1:3. |
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