Jesus: Master Over Death Series

Mark 5:21-24, 35-43

Jesus: Master Over Death

Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live." So [Jesus] went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.

(A Divine Interruption of the Woman with the Issue of Blood)

While He was still speaking, [some] came from the ruler of the synagogue’s [house] who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe." And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. When He came in, He said to them, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those [who were] with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years [of age]. And they were overcome with great amazement. But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that [something] should be given her to eat.

Introduction – (Two options)

Tombstone Inscriptions

• “Here lies Lester Moore; Four slugs from a .44, no Les, no more.” From Tombstone Arizona

• “Sacred to the memory of Jared Bates who died August the 6th 1800. His widow, ages 24, lives at 7 Elm Street, has every qualification for a good wife, and yearns to be comforted.” From Lincoln, Maine

• “Underneath this pile of stones lies all that’s left of Sally Jones. Her name was Briggs, it was not Jones, But Jones was used to rhyme with stones.” From Skaneateles, N.Y.

• “Here lies Jane Smith, wife of Thomas Smith, marble cutter. This monument was erected by her husband as a tribute to her memory and a specimen of his work. Monuments of the same style 350 dollars.” From Springdale, Ohio Source unknown

Flower Mixup

A young business owner was opening a new branch office, and a friend decided to send a floral arrangement for the grand opening. When the friend arrived at the opening, he was appalled to find that his wreath bore the inscription: “Rest in peace.”

Angry, he complained to the florist. After apologizing, the florist said, “Look at it this way—somewhere a man was buried under a wreath today that said, ‘Good luck in your new location.’“

Bits & Pieces, June 23, 1994, p. 4

Often we smile at the jokes regarding death. Yes, they are humorous…until you have a loved one die. I find it especially true when one of our loved ones is a child. It doesn’t seem fair for a child to die an early death does it? Yet God uses ALL circumstances to get us to consider what is really important in life!

We just completed the passage about the woman’s healing when she touched the garment of Jesus. It was a divine interruption for a divine appointment. But the story continues as Jesus is confronted with the death of a twelve year old girl.

We Discern a Time of ANXIETY 21-24, 35-37

Love and fear will make us take desperate measures. If we have a great love for someone and we fear they may be in great danger, we would do everything in our power to rescue them. Such is the case of the Jairus. His daughter lay on her deathbed. He was so fearful for her life that he sought out Jesus to keep her from dying.

A man of Devotion 21-22

We see a man of complete devotion. He seeks Jesus out and falls at His feet. This is a picture of total submission, humiliation and dependence upon someone greater than himself. He was committed to his family but devoted to the One who could heal his daughter.

A man of Desperation 23-24

Notice how desperate he is. He begged Jesus travel with him that his daughter might be healed. He obviously had witnessed some event that convinced him that Jesus was a man of power and influence. You will also notice that he did not care what the others might say in the synagogue, even though he was one of the rulers.