Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 9:25

"But when the crowd was put forth, he entered in, and took her by the hand; and the damsel arose." — Matthew 9:25 (ASV)

It was not fitting that an unruly crowd should witness the majestic mystery of resurrection. They had to be “put forth”. Moreover, the dreadful noise of the funeral wailers was not a suitable accompaniment to the Savior’s word of power. The people were turned out, and then the Lord “went in” to work His miracle. He loves to work in quiet. There are areas in modern church life where noise and popular excitement will have to end before much is done by the Lord.

When we read, “He took her by the hand,” it reminds us of His touching Peter’s wife’s mother. He shows a sacred familiarity with those whom He saves. He is not said in this Gospel to have spoken, and thus the contrast between empty noise and His mighty silence is brought out clearly. Life was gone from the young girl, but the result was the same as in the case of Peter’s relative who was still alive: she arose.

How much had taken place before a dead girl could rise! This is the first case of resurrection by our Lord. It was that of one who had only just died, and it is typical of the giving of spiritual life to persons who have not yet reached the stage of corruption that necessitates carrying them out, like the widow’s son, or of actual decay that has led to burial, as in the case of Lazarus. In each case, the miracle was the same, but the surroundings greatly differed, so that the instruction varied.

Lord, take our dear young children by the hand and raise them up to everlasting life while they are children!