A miracle inside of a miracle! 2 apparently hopelesss situations
THERE ARE NO HOPELESS SITUATIONS FOR THE ONE WHO HAS POWER OVER SICKNESS AND DEATH
Jesus is the Hope of the Hopeless; the Help of the Helpless
He can tackle the most desparate situation and bring restoration and life
When have we been in a hopeless situation?
Cf. Difficulty having kids
a lot of people go thru this emotional roller coaster
cf. Sarah (Abraham’s wife); Hannah (before having Samuel)
Can’t throw money or resources at the problem to make it better
CONTEXT (:21)
"crossed over again in the boat"
not long after their near death experience on the last boat trip
probably gave Jesus a couple of cups of coffee to make sure he stayed awake this time
"the multitude"
4:36 He had left the multitude; now He returns and finds the same crowd waiting for Him;
a different response from the crowd across the Sea of Galilee;
(Luke 8:40 "the multitude welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him")
the crowd showed his superficial popularity
but also somewhat of a hindrance
Mark not presenting events in chronological order (when you compare with the other gospels) some of the events of 2:1-22 took place here)
I. (:22-28) TWO DESPARATE PEOPLE COMING TO JESUS FOR HELP
A. JAIRUS = Synagogue leader whose only daughter was at the point of death
1. The Risk of Faith
Jairus -- not a pig farmer, but a synagogue leader in Capernaum (very prominent position)
had to overcome a lot of pressure and prejudice to come for help
didn’t sneak up to him under cover of darkness like Nicodemus
he knew he needed Jesus’ help; he was desparate
how precious is a little daughter? This girl was 12 (Luke tells us this was an only daughter)
very difficult for father to leave her bedside knowing that she might die before he could return
2. The Fervent, Public Appeal
"entreated Him earnestly"
effectual, fervent prayer
B. WOMAN WITH THE 12 YEAR HEMORRHAGE PROBLEM
- A severe physical problem
12 years is a long time
significance of number 12 in this account:
Messianic fulfillment -- 12 apostles appear in place of the 12 tribes of Israel (12 sons of Jacob)
- A severe cultural and religious problem = "unclean"
This woman had additional problem of being ceremonially unclean (Lev. 15:25ff)
Jesus did not fear ceremonial defilement in the raising of the dead girl also
Futility of Self-Help programs
doctors don’t have ultimate power over sickness
these doctors willing to take her money but would not admit they were powerless to help
just like fishermen don’t have ultimate power over the wind and the waves
1. The Risk of Faith
2. The Attempt at Secrecy
Came up from behind; in the crowd; thought she could escape notice and public attention
Touch of Faith
many people touched His garments; this touch was different-- Why?
She believed she could be healed without the knowledge or consent of Jesus
Her faith was coupled with lack of understanding and superstition
touching only 1 of the 4 wool tassels worn on the bottom corners of His robe (Num. 15:38)
II. (:29-43) JESUS RESPONDS IN POWER TO THOSE WHO APPROACH HIM IN FAITH
A. The Faith can be Weak and Trembling -- the Response of Jesus to the Woman
POWER OVER SICKNESS
"power went out from Me" Father performing the miracle thru Jesus; yet Jesus was involved as well
"the Father does the works"
cost of ministry -- exhaustion, etc.
He knew who had touched him with the touch of faith
Jairus maybe impatient over this interruption along the journey -- since He needed Jesus to come quickly; or encouraged since He has seen the power of the Lord in action
B. The Faith can be Attacked by the Fear of Hopelessness -- the Response of Jesus to Jairus
POWER OVER DEATH
"Do not be afraid, only believe"
Fear = the greatest enemy of Faith
CONCLUSION:
Why doesn’t Jesus heal everyone?
You would have to ask the parallel question:
"Why doesn’t Jesus raise everyone from the dead?" -- wouldn’t make a lot of sense
If we see faith healers traveling about, why don’t we see Dead Raisers as well?
Healing was not for the benefit of the little girl -- but to teach important lessons
Instructed them to tell no one what had happened -- Why??
He was not intending this for a normative pattern as if He would raise everyone from the dead who asked
(healed the maniac in the cemetary; raises the dead girl in her bedroom)
Jesus is the Hope of the Hopeless; the Help of the Helpless
He can tackle the most desparate situation and bring restoration and life
Key: We must approach Jesus by faith and bring our troubles to Him;
We must count on His compassion (tenderness) and love;
We must rest in His sovereign will
