Believe In The Master Of Miracles

Believe in the Master of Miracles

Mark 5:21-43 (Read vs. 34-43)

Sermon by Rick Crandall

Grayson Baptist Church - Jan. 15, 2017

BACKGROUND:

*Our God is, and always has been a miracle working God. Today's Scripture in Mark 5 covers 2 great miracles Jesus performed: Healing a woman who had been terribly sick for 12 years, and bringing a 12-year-old daughter back to life.

*Lord willing, we will take a close look at the woman's story on another day, but her story is intertwined with the story of the dying daughter, so for background information, please listen to Mark 5:21-33. Now, with this background in mind, please stand as we read Mark 5:34-43.

INTRODUCTION

*Martha Hickman told about a time when she had just gone through some serious medical tests. She was fearful of the results and went swimming at the local Y to pass the time.

*At the pool, she noticed a dad carry his son over to the deep end. Still holding his boy, the dad dove into the deep water, and a few seconds later they surfaced. The son laughed and brushed water from his eyes as his father guided him safely to the pool's edge.

*Right then, Martha realized that she might have to go through some deep water, but God would carry her all the way through. This is the message for us in God's Word today. We can always trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, because He will carry us through. (1)

1. So, trust in Jesus when you are attacked beyond your ability.

*That's what had happened to Jairus' family in vs. 22-23:

22. And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet

23. 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.''

*Jairus was desperate. His family was being attacked. His daughter was near the point of death. Luke 8:42 tells us that it was his only daughter, and the way he spoke to Jesus shows that she was Jairus' dearly loved daughter.

*Sometimes our loves ones will be hurting too, and there will be nothing we can do to help them on our own. Jairus shows us exactly what to do in a situation like that: Go to Jesus! Humbly, boldly, passionately, expectantly, go to Jesus.

2. Trust Him when you are attacked beyond your ability, and trust Him when the disaster gets deeper.

*That's what happened in vs. 34-36. And Jesus said this to the woman who had been sick for 12 years:

34. . . "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.''

35. 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?''

36. As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe.''

*You just thought things were bad, but now the news goes from bad to worst. The thunderstorm has turned into a tornado. Time has run out for you, and the situation looks totally hopeless.

*What can we do in a situation like that? Keep believing in Jesus! The Lord will not always come through for you with a healing miracle. But Jesus Christ will always come through for you!

*God sent His help to one broken-hearted mother, through the words of an elderly lady from Pakistan. The missionary couple had recently lost their 6-month-old baby. And their kind Pakistani friend shared these words of wisdom:

-"A tragedy like this is like being plunged into boiling water. If you are an egg, your affliction will make you hard-boiled and unresponsive. If you are a potato, you will emerge soft and pliable, resilient and adaptable."

*The missionary mother later said: "It may sound funny to God, but there have been many times when I have prayed, 'O Lord, make me a potato.'" (2)

3. Keep trusting in Jesus when the disaster gets deeper, and keep trusting when you don't understand God's plan.

*That's what happened in vs. 37: Jesus "permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James." The other disciples must have wondered: "What's going on?" Why did we get left behind?"

*The Lord separated Peter, James, and John three times that we know of. In His perfect wisdom, Jesus took this trio to places where the other disciples could not go. Here. Then on the Mountain of Jesus' Transfiguration. Matthew 17:1-3 says:

1. Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, brought them up on a high mountain by themselves,