Facing Catastrophe Series

-It is hard enough in our lives to be obedient and follow Christ when things are good, but when things seem to fall apart is when a true test of obedience comes into play.

-If ever there was a place in history where someone needed faith while facing a catastrophe in life it was with Jairus.

I. Approach to Christ

A. Jairus was a ruler.

1. He was a ruler of the Synagogue.

2. His kind, community worship leaders, was in the midst of the battle against Christ.

a. The synagogue ruler was an elected position among the religious leaders.

b. The person was highly respected, both capable and popular.

c. He determined who was to teach in the synagogue worship and supervised the whole operation.

d. He was one of the most important men in a community.—Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible – Commentary

B. Jairus risked many things coming to Jesus.

1. What would those who put him in his position think, after all they opposed Jesus?

2. Would they dismiss Jairus from his position?

3. He could have lost everything.

a. Clout in the community.

b. Influence he had worked.

c. Respect of those he worked with.

4. He risked losing his daughter while he traveled.

a. He would never see her alive again, and if Christ were not willing to go with him or do anything for her, then he would regret his decision indefinitely.

C. Notice however his position to Christ.

1. Matthew points out that he worshiped Him.

2. Mark and Luke say he fell at His feet and begged Him.

3. His position was one of great need and he lay at the feet of Christ.

4. Willing to forsake all and risk even his own life for the mercy of Jesus.

D. The approach to Christ resulted from desperation.

E. Capture desperation for Christ and instill it in our life.

1. Many have experienced loss, you know the true feeling of desperation, what it feels like when something plagues at the very core of who we are.

2. Encouragement of scripture is to recognize that is what life is like without Christ.

3. Desperation should drive us to Him.

4. The economy of our spiritual life is completely broken without Him.

5. No matter the length of what it takes to get to Him should be the daily result of pursuing that relationship with Him, for without Him we have nothing.

6. At Him and with Him is our true fulfillment.

II. Quest with Christ

A. Their journey began there with Jairus at Jesus feet.

1. Know this, that is where everyone’s journey begins, at the feet of Christ.

2. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)

14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

3. Matthew 23:12 (NLT)

12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

4. His every need and the main reason for him being there were not immediately cured.

5. There was a process of Jesus walking with him.

6. Ever wonder why Jesus never pulled a disappearing act to get to where He was going faster? Why He is not depicted as running?

7. This was urgent, Jairus daughter was going to die, you would think He would be in a little bit of a hurry to get there.

8. But on the pathway of healing, in our lives and those around us, there must be a journey and God knows your urgent needs.

9. They were interrupted by this crowd that pressed against them, now Jesus wants to stop and talk to a woman that “touched” Him, are you kidding me, does He not know what kind of shape my daughter is in?

10. Now comes the news, “Jairus, your daughter, we have lost her, you are too late”.

11. Only if Jesus had been there earlier, maybe things could be different, if He had not stopped, maybe she would still be alive.

12. Catastrophe had struck.

13. Jairus may have had thoughts of giving up on Christ, it’s over there is no more need, you are too late.

14. Ever had these feelings, all hope is gone and Jesus did nothing about it. So you give up under the conditions.

15. However the path does not end in catastrophe, but continues on. The Bible declares that the path ends like this, Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)

3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.