Mark 5:22-24, 35-43
(see also Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26, Luke 8:41-42, 49-56)
Yet again we find Jesus involved in conversation with an unlikely person. Jairus was one of the rulers of the local synagogue. His duties would have included such things as overseeing services, taking care of the building and the scrolls of scripture, distributing money to the poor and making sure that the congregation stayed faithful to the Law. He would have been highly regarded in the town and it is likely that, as a religious leader, the Pharisees had urged him to resist Jesus’ unorthodox ministry.
However, Jairus was also a desperate father. His beloved only child – a twelve-year old daughter – was very sick and the only person he knew that might possibly be able to save her was the man who had done many healing miracles in the town. Because Jairus’s daughter was far more precious to him than his reputation he sought out Jesus, fell down at feet and begged Him to come and lay hands on her.
Jairus believed that if Jesus would come to his house and lay His hands on his daughter she would live. Jesus did not challenge his words or question his theology. He did not point out that there was no need for Him to go to the girl because He could simply say the word, as He had for the centurion’s servant. Instead, Jesus responded to what Jairus had faith to see and set out with him towards his home.
We can only imagine how anxious Jairus felt when they were delayed by Jesus ministering to the woman who had been healed of continuous bleeding. And then, while he was waiting, came the message he had been dreading – that there was no point bringing Jesus now because his daughter had died. In that moment I suspect Jairus lost all hope. However, He was about to discover that, with Jesus, there is always hope.
Jesus also heard the words the messenger spoke but they did not affect His expectation because He knew that death was no match for the power that was in Him. His words to the grieving father reflected His view of the situation: “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” (v.50). Jairus was now faced with a choice between fear and faith. Would he grieve or believe? Could his faith stretch to believe that Jesus could raise his daughter from death?
As they continued to make their way to Jairus’s house, Jesus sent away all who might have pulled Jairus towards unbelief. He dismissed the crowd who were following him, along with nine of His disciples and, when they reached the house, he put out all who were weeping and wailing over the little girl’s death. He would not allow any negative talk to spoil the atmosphere of faith. Then, with the utmost tenderness, he raised Jairus’ beloved daughter up from her deathbed and instructed her parents to give her something to eat.
Like Jairus we face situations that seem impossible and we are tempted to feel fear and despair. It is easy to look at things with natural eyes like the people around us who have no hope. It is then that we need to remember that nothing is impossible for our God (Luke 1:37, Mark 10:27). In order to have faith we must keep our gaze firmly on the Lord and shut our ears to the unbelief of others.
The Lord always responds when He sees faith in a person’s heart. He loves it when we put our trust in Him, even when we feel weak and wobbly. He meets us where we are and shows us how faithful and good He is. The more we see Him work in our lives, the more our faith will grow. Is there anything in your life that is making you feel fearful right now? Maybe you are faced with health concerns, financial lack or relationship issues? Choose today to take your eyes off the situation and focus instead on the Lord. Remind yourself what a good and powerful God He is and how much He loves you. Put your trust in Him and see what He will do.
Prayer
O Lord my God,
You are so amazing! Nothing is impossible for You and You love to help those who call out to You. Please forgive me for my unbelief. Right now I put into Your hands every situation that concerns me. I ask You to help me to stand in faith rather than giving into fear. I choose to reject the thinking of this world and to put my trust in Your promises.
Amen.
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