READING: Numbers 3-4, Mark 5:21-43
They laughed at Jesus – which is never a very smart move.
“They” were the mourners at the home of Jairus when Jesus said of his dead daughter, “The child is not dead but asleep” (Mark 5:39). His point was that the death of the little girl was not the end of the story, but the people thought He simply didn’t get it. To say that a dead person was only sleeping was foolish indeed in their eyes – so they laughed.
Jesus, though, knew exactly what was up. The original wording says He cast the crowd out with the same kind of force He cast out demons, for He had miraculous work to do. He was about to bring resurrection into the story, and no laughter of an unbelieving crowd would get in His way. He would silence their laughing with the miracle of life.
I trust that none of us deliberately laughs at the Son of God, but sometimes our actions of disobedience and rebellion almost suggest that we ridicule His position and authority. May God forgive us.
PRAYER: “Lord, I want my life to only honor You.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: When you face temptation today, don’t laugh at Jesus by your actions.
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 5-6, Mark 6:1-29
