They Laughed At Him

Mark 5:35-40   While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. When they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, he saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him.


They laughed at Jesus. Can you imagine they laughed at the Lord of the universe. He neither quit because of their laughter or got angry and defensive because of their laughter, rather he simply continued about his business to heal the young girl. On more than one occasion Jesus was the brunt of laughter and derision. The last was while he hung on the cross for us. His response was never to quit or to become defensive. He simply went about his business and let the facts speak for themselves.


I think many of us hate the idea of being laughed at so much that we will hide our faith rather than have someone laugh at us because of it. We stay quiet and allow things to be said about Christianity and the church and Jesus himself rather than risk being laughed at. They may laugh at me but if they don't accept me while knowing my faith, than they don't really accept me at all. They aren't my friends if I need to hide important things about me in order to be acceptable. I'd rather take the laughter and stand on what I believe and then see if they are real friends.


Telling people what God has done for me, telling people about my experiences is important, but also  telling people about what God will do is equally important. People have laughed at my trust in what God will do, but I continue to trust in His perfect will for me no matter what. I don't get all my requests met like a magic wish list, but I do know that Jesus will grant those things that are consistent with his nature in always working for my good and that of others at the same time.


Trust Him even if others think it is laughable, you will find Him trustworthy.