SECTION 3: THE CREDENTIALS OF JESUS THE KING
CHAPTER 19
THE THIRD GROUP OF MIRACLES
OR
JESUS -DEMONIAC OR DIVINE
Scripture To Consider:
“While Jesus spoke these things to them, behold a ruler came and worshipped Him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.’ So, Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.”
“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came behind and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment; for she said to herself, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.’ But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her, He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour.”
“And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, He said to them, ‘Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.’ And they laughed Him to scorn. But when the crowd was put outside, Jesus went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went out into all that land.” Matthew 9.18-26
Something To Consider:
The first group of miracles demonstrated the power of Jesus over bodily disease; the second, over disorder in the physical, spiritual, and moral realm; the third reveals His power over death. The same story is related by Mark and Luke who tell us that Jairus was the name of the ruler whose daughter Jesus raised from the dead. In all three gospels the story is interwoven with the account of another miracle which relates the healing of a woman upon whom death had set its seal.
The story as told by Matthew is much more brief and omits many of the features mentioned by the other writers. Matthew probably wishes to fix the thought upon the long series of marvels which are here reaching their climax. He may not wish to distract from that thought by less important details, but only to increase the impression already produced as to the kingly power and authority of Christ.
Even in this brief scene the movement of the Lord is majestic. The ruler approaches Jesus with a request which is beyond the power of man, but Jesus indicates that the petition will be granted. Then the helpless woman touches His garment and Jesus turns to her with the princely assurance that even her imperfect faith has resulted in a perfect cure.
At the house of the ruler in the midst of the tumult of mourning, Jesus spoke the mysterious words of hope, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” He knew that life had left her body, but in view of His purpose and with confidence in His power He spoke a message, the full impact of which gives absolute assurance of life beyond the grave and has comforted countless mourners with its consolation and cheer, “The girl is not dead, but sleeping.”
The ridicule of the crowd, so rude and heartless, contrasts with the kingly sympathy of Jesus and attests to the realty of the miracle. No doubt the daughter was dead, according to her father’s testimony; to deny the fact, if that had been the meaning of Jesus, was absurd. What He really meant became evident at once.
Dismissing the noisy throng Jesus took the maiden by the hand and instantly she rises from her deathbed, fully restored to life and strength. And it is no wonder that we are told by Matthew, “And the report of this went out into all that land.” Surely such a King is worthy of our undivided attention, trust, and worship.
More Scripture To Consider:
“When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Jesus, crying out and saying, ‘Son of David, have mercy on us!’ And when Jesus had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then Jesus touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’ And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, ‘See that no one knows it.’ But when they had departed, they spread the news about Jesus in all that country.”
“As they went out, behold, they brought to Jesus a man, mute and demon possessed. And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, ‘It was never seen like this in Israel!’ But the Pharisees said, ‘He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.'” Matthew 9.27-34
Something Else To Consider:
After Jesus had shown His power over death, the miracle of giving sight to the blind and speech to the mute man may seem less marvelous. It is probable; however, that Matthew places this third group of miracles as they show how Jesus restored faculties which in reality were dead. Surely the blind and mute are accepted pictures of men, women, and young people, who need the power of Christ to enable them to see spiritual realities and rightly to praise the goodness and love of God.
The faith of the blind men whom Jesus healed seems to have been real, but it was imperfect. They refused to obey Him when He had requested that they should not disclose His healing power. The motive of His command may not be clear. Jesus probably wished to avoid arousing any sudden outbreak of fanatical enthusiasm which might have arrested the progress of His mission. But in any case, it is always wise to obey the commands of the King.
We are told again that at the conclusion of these surprising miracles, according to Matthew; “The multitudes marveled, saying, ‘It was never seen like this in Israel!'” But we read that the Pharisees were aroused to such envious and bitter hatred that they brought against Jesus their most bitter charge, by exclaiming falsely, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”
Therefore, it cannot be denied even by His enemies that the power of Christ was supernatural. There is no other alternative, it was either demonic or divine! What we confess determines our eternal position as it concerns Jesus Christ and our eternal destiny.
Something More To Consider:
Our Scripture to consider reveals two distinct groups or multitudes as it pertains to the miracles of Jesus. There are the multitudes who marveled at the divine powers of Jesus. There is also another group or multitude that resembles the Pharisees in our text, who claim Jesus’ miracles, were nothing more than demonic in nature.
And yet, there is at least a third group or multitude as it relates to the miracles of Jesus. And to be among this third group or third multitude may in the end prove to be as destructive as it was for the Pharisees. This third group of individuals are those who could care less. They choose to remain neutral, at least in their own minds. They wish not to declare Jesus a demoniac, but at the same time they refuse to declare Jesus to be divine.
For them to declare Jesus to be divine would create tremendous conflict and spiritual conviction that for millions, is simply not a part of the equation of their present earthly life. Therefore, of which group, of which multitude have we aligned ourselves with? Of which group do we associate our lives with at this moment of decision? Of which group is our family and acquaintances aligning themselves with today while watching our lives and our decisions?
A Few Final Words:
And yet, by the refusal or neglect of so many to come to a decision concerning Jesus, whether demonic or divine; in reality they have already made their decision. The truth is there is no neutral ground as it relates to Jesus Christ. There is no neutral position as to the cross of Jesus Christ and His atoning death made available for every human being, past, present, and future.
The ground at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ is level. Therefore, there is no neutral ground in the vicinity of Calvary. Jesus declared in Luke 11.23 and Matthew 12.30; “He [or she] who is not with Me is against Me, and he [or she] who does not gather with Me scatters.” What is our immediate reaction to that statement of Jesus? Would He consider our actions and attitudes as being with Him or against Him? Would we be guilty of gathering or scattering?
In Closing:
The truth is chilling for all who pretend to remain neutral concerning the claims of Jesus. Either Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords, Savior of the human race, soon coming Redeemer, or a person must claim Him to be demonic or a lunatic at least.
And yet, in the end, every person who puts off making their decision concerning Jesus will realize they have been deceived. To come to the rightful conclusion that Jesus is divine, that He and His words are to be obeyed, and that a person is to seek first Christ’s kingdom, is a decision that will be rejoiced over for all eternity. The alternative is an option that should never be considered.
Let’s Pray:
Our Father in heaven, may Your Holy Spirit continue His silent work behind the scenes of our lives as it pertains to the eternal decision concerning Jesus Christ and who He truly is. We know He is not demonic, but that He is divine! He is indeed the Word of God come in the flesh to reveal the love, the grace, and the truth concerning You Father. Draw us to Jesus who is full of grace and full of truth. In Him Always, Amen!
According to Jesus 