“Victory Over Death”
July 13, 2008
Me: Story of Emily being put into NICU after her birth. Nothing really tests your faith as the safety and health of your children.
You: Are there times in your life where you remember seeking God because of some major issue with your child or loved one?
Today we are going to look at a story about a man who was driven to extreme action because of the illness of his daughter.
God:
“When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." So Jesus went with him.” Mark 5:21-24
Jairus is a ruler of the synagogue. That meant that he had duties that included caring for the building, making sure the worship was in order and that people were obeying the laws.
Now, he is coming to Jesus who is at odds with the Jewish religious leaders. He has watched Jesus touch a woman who is bleeding (an issue we will deal with next week) and he is placing himself in a position of submission to Jesus.
Fear leads to faith and desperation.
It is very interesting that Jairus does not offer sacrifices for his daughter. Maybe he already has. He is not at the synagogue praying. Perhaps he already has. It appears that he has exhausted all options that he knows and understands to heal his daughter. Now, he puts his faith and desperation in front of Jesus.
Jesus responds by going with him. Jesus does not say anything as far as we know. He simply moves into action.
Humility gets the attention of God.
How do you approach God in your time of need? Do you approach as a genie in a bottle? Do you approach thinking that God owes you? Do you approach with faith and confidence?
Jairus approached Jesus with humility (falling at this feet) with desire (please come) and with faith (put your hands on her and she will be healed).
“While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler “Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?" Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don’t be afraid; just believe." He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" ). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.” Mark 5:53-43
While Jesus is speaking to the woman, news comes that Jairus’ daughter has died. Jesus tells Jairus not to be afraid but to believe. The original language here does not mean to begin believing, but to continue believing.
Jesus moves ahead. He goes to Jairus’ house with Peter, James and John. When he arrives the house is filled with professional mourners.
The Jewish custom of the day was to have people who mourned for the family. It was a way of sharing grief. However, what started as a communal caring became another religious tradition. The people were wailing and making a large fuss. Because of Jairus’ position, there were more people involved.
When Jesus makes the declaration about the girl, the mourners laugh at him. Jesus puts them out and proceeds to heal the girl.
He speaks to her in her own language. He tells her to get up. When Jesus says this, the little girl is healed an all who witness the miracle are amazed.
Jesus tells them not to let anyone know what happened. This is one of those situations where Jesus wants to leave a walking, talking witness about what he has done and who he is for the people.
The actions of Jesus in our lives speak louder than the words we share.
Two Thoughts:
1) Have you been desperate enough in your life to believe that Jesus can overcome the impossible?
2) Do the actions of your life demonstrate that you have been brought from death to life?
All who follow Jesus were at one time dead. We were completely helpless.
“As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world.” Ephesians 2:1
God changed everything through Jesus.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions.” Ephesians 2:4-5
You: Have you been made alive in Jesus? Has your life been changed forever by the grace of God?
We: If so, our actions should be the greatest example of our life in Christ.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they may accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12
The greatest example of the power of Jesus in our life is the way we live our life in front of those who do not believe.
