They came to the house of the synagogue official; and He saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. And entering in, He said to them, “Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is asleep.” They began laughing at Him. But putting them all out, He took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was. Taking the child by the hand, He said to her, “Talitha kum!” (which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. -Mark 5:38-42.
They laughed at Jesus!
Wow. Knowing that may encourage you when you’re ridiculed by critics. They laughed when he told them what he was going to do. Actually laughed in His face. They thought he was out of his mind. They thought he was so deluded with His own importance that they burst out laughing. In their minds there was no chance He could raise that child back to life. They thought it was hilariously ridiculous. They didn’t just doubt. They were totally convinced he was wrong.
Ever have your own doubters?
They can kill your spirit. They can demoralize those around you. They distract and disrupt. In life we all walk by faith. You never really know what is going to happen until it does. The more dramatic your project or idea, the more doubters you’ll have.
The Bible shows us how to handle them.
It’s amazing how many things there are plainly stated in the Bible, how much instruction about life. All that’s necessary is for us to slow down and pay attention to what’s written. It will tell us exactly how to handle difficult situations and difficult people.
Jesus sent the doubters out.
He put them out and kept those who were committed. The ones who were committed and supporting Him stayed…everyone else out! He had something to do right then. He spent plenty of time talking and reasoning with doubters, but now it was time to go do something.
He showed us how to handle harsh critics—show them!
This is not a time for conversation. This is a time for action. For proof that would shut them up immediately. So He showed them. The girl got up and walked.
Once that was done, it sent the message to the doubters. They were “completely astounded.” Sometimes you just have to show them.
