The Doctor for the Sick
“Go away,” He told them. “The girl is not dead, but asleep.” And they laughed at Him. Matthew 9:24 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus told them, 'Go away. She's not dead, she's sleeping.' And they laughed at Him.
They laughed because they knew she was dead. They just didn't know who they were laughing at.
Jesus, redefining the situation.
When Jesus says someone is 'sleeping,' He's not in denial. He's speaking from a perspective where death doesn't have the last word.
Jesus declares the girl is not dead but sleeping (katheudei), a statement that provokes ridicule (kategelon) from the mourners.
Jesus' use of 'sleeping' may either redefine death from God's perspective or indicate the girl was in a state that appeared terminal.
Jesus, reframing death as sleep.
Jesus' language of sleep for death becomes standard in the early church (cf. 1 Thess 4:13), reflecting resurrection hope.
22Jesus turned and saw her. “Take courage, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that very hour.
23When Jesus entered the house of the synagogue leader, He saw the flute players and the noisy crowd.
24“Go away,” He told them. “The girl is not dead, but asleep.” And they laughed at Him.
25After the crowd had been put outside, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.
26And the news about this spread throughout that region.
Read all of Matthew 9 — Jesus eats with sinners, forgives the paralyzed, and raises the dead. The religious leaders are horrified; the broken are set free.
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