THE POWER & COMPASSION OF JESUS CHRIST
Mark 5:21-43
I was so proud of my little boy this Christmas. We went to our family gathering at my parents’ house and there was a pile of presents surrounding the tree. My children know by now that the good gifts are at Maw Maw & Paw Paw and Nana & Poppies house. Andrew was very excited about the gifts that he would receive. But before asking to unwrap his own gifts, he began to distribute presents that he had personally selected and wrapped for each of his cousins. He had put much thought into each gift and his face lit up as each one was opened.
Paul encouraged the people of Ephesus to “remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:35) As Christians, we have received the greatest gift of all time; we have salvation through Jesus Christ. Not only are we blessed to receive this gift, we have the privilege and responsibility of sharing this gift. We should share Jesus with the world around us and especially those within our own household.
Mark tells us about a man who went to Jesus on behalf of his daughter. She was sick and at the point of death and he felt that if he could get her into the presence of Jesus that He could heal her. Spoiler alert: Jesus did exactly what this man hoped that He would.
I am sure that each of you has gone to the Lord on behalf of someone that you love. They were sick, possibly at the point of death and you knew that without God’s intervention they would die. Several of us could testify of times when God heard those prayers and healed our loved ones physically. While this is a great privilege that we possess, it is far more important for us to go the God on behalf of our loved ones concerning their spiritual condition. For if they do not receive a touch from the Master’s hand, they will die in their sins, and as a result they will face eternal condemnation.
Raising this little girl from the dead is a wonderful illustration of the mighty power of Jesus. He delivered this girl from physical death, and He has the power to deliver your loved ones from spiritual death. I would like to examine this passage and preach on “The Power & Compassion Of Jesus Christ.
It is important to note the compassion that Jesus showed this man. Jesus’ power would have meant nothing to Jairus’ if He had not been willing to go to where his daughter was and to heal her. There is no question that God has the power to save mankind. But the beauty of the Gospel is in the fact that God was willing to become man and to come where we are and to deliver us from sin and death! There is another important reality that is seen in the story of Jairus and his daughter. Jesus was able and he was willing, but Jairus received this miracle because he had faith in the Lord. That is true for us as well! God is able and willing to save us, but we are required to put our faith in Him! (Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God) I pray that you have come to the realization that Jesus is your only hope of salvation. If you haven’t, I pray that this is the day that you will!
- Look with me to verse 22 as we examine:
I. THE REALIZATION OF JESUS’ MIRACLE WORKING POWER
v22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet
Jairus was “a ruler of the synagogue”, this means that he presided over the elders of a local synagogue. These laymen were responsible for organizing the services and teaching the people in the synagogue. Synagogue services were very similar to our modern day church services. The people would gather for fellowship, prayer and the reading of scripture. Most of these “rulers of the synagogue” were Pharisees. And we know that Jesus was rejected by the overwhelming majority of the Jewish people. (John 1:11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.)
By this point in his ministry, Jesus had experienced much opposition from the religious leaders. The message that Jesus had shared and the things that he had done inside and outside of the synagogues infuriated the Scribes and Pharisees. This shows us that coming to Jesus was probably not an easy thing for Jairus. Turning to Jesus for help probably cost him some friends, but he was desperate. It is apparent that Jairus saw something that many others refused to see. This is evidenced by the fact that he humbly bowed at the feet of Jesus. Like most people in the region, he had heard of the amazing miracles that Jesus had performed. He was in a desperate situation, he was helpless and hopeless and willing to try anything if it meant that his daughter would be healed. Jairus realized that if Jesus could heal those multitudes of sick people, He could heal his sick daughter. His realization led him to seek Jesus and make a special request.
- Notice in verse 23:
II. THE REQUIREMENT FOR JESUS’ MIRACLE WORKING POWER
v23 and (Jairus) 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 explained to Jesus that his precious little daughter was very sick. In fact she was “at the point of death”. He implored Jesus to come and lay His hands on her and to heal her from her sickness. This is a great demonstration of faith. This man did not know all there was to know about Jesus. It is not implied that he saw Him as the Promised One from God. But he had seen and heard enough that he had confidence in Jesus’ healing ability. At this point Jairus had “little faith”, but Jesus was about to increase that faith greatly.
None of us came to Jesus with great faith; we all came to Him with little faith. But with Jesus, a little faith is all that is needed! If you will come to Jesus with a little faith, Jesus can increase your faith abundantly! That is exactly what He is about to do for Jairus. That little amount of faith was enough to give Jairus access to a miracle. Because of his faith, Jesus agreed to go with him and heal his daughter. Notice:
v24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.
A great multitude surrounded Jesus. These people were not there just to witness Jesus heal this man’s daughter, They were there because they desired their own personal healing. But Jesus was so moved by Jairus’ faith that He left what He was doing and went to deliver that little girl. Can you imagine the joy and appreciation that Jairus must have possessed when Jesus compassionately looked at him and said “take me to your daughter”? However, Jairus’ joy was short lived and his faith was quickly put to the test. As they were headed to Jairus’ house, a woman that suffered from an “issue of blood” fought her way through the crowd and grasped the hem of Jesus’ robe. Instead of continuing on their journey, Jesus stopped and addressed this desperate woman and did a miracle in her life.
I don’t know much about Jairus. He may have been one of the most loving and compassionate people on earth; But I think it is safe to assume that he got a little frustrated with this woman. His main concern was his precious little daughter and seeing her healed. She was at the point of death and when Jairus finally received a glimmer of hope, this woman interfered with his miracle! Not only was his faith tested by the delay that this woman caused, it was tested to a greater extent in verse 35. Jesus healed this woman with the issue of blood and told her that “her faith had made her whole”.
As the crowd stood there amazed by this latest miracle that had been done in their midst, a messenger from Jairus’ house arrived with some devastating news. (v35 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?") We know how this story ends, we know that the young girl did die but we also know that Jesus raised her from the dead. Jairus’ did not know how this story was going to end. For a moment Jairus’ world turned upside down. He had finally received hope that his daughter would be healed. He was excited, thankful and anticipating a miracle. Now, all hope was gone… or so he thought.
As he was standing there overcome with grief and devastation Jesus (knowing of his sorrow) said “do not fear, only believe”. (v36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe.")
Several times we have heard Jesus mention the importance of faith. When those four men brought the paralyzed man to Jesus and let him down through the roof and “Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." (Mark 2:5) On that occasion, faith secured a great miracle. Jarius had even witnessed the importance of faith with his own eyes. He was there when the woman with the issue of blood put her faith in Jesus and received a great miracle. When she had touched the hem of Jesus garment “He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." (Mark 5:34)
I don’t know if Jairus had heard about Jesus’ miracle in Nain where He interrupted a funeral and raised a man from the dead. Even if he had heard about this, there is no way that he could have known that Jesus would do the same for his little girl. It was faith that brought Jairus to Jesus in the first place. But to continue to have faith at this point must have been difficult. But His faith would be the source of his access to an even greater miracle that he sought in the first place. It was certainly easier for Jairus to believe that Jesus could work a miracle when his daughter was still alive, but it would take even greater faith now that she was dead.
When word reached them that the little girl had died, those who were present likely thought that there was no need to continue on the journey to Jairus’ house. But Jesus traveled on. He took His inner circle of Disciples and they went to where Jairus lived. Peter, James and John were blessed to see some things that the other Disciples did not see.
In Mark 9:2-7 we have a description of a time when Jesus was transfigured. On this occasion, Jesus, Peter, James & John ascended a mountain. When they arrived Jesus was “was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.” Not only did they see this great sight, they heard the voice of God the Father. -Mark 9:7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!"
These men permitted to be with Jesus on this glorious occasion, furthermore, they were the only ones permitted to be with Him on a grievous occasion. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus took these men with Him to the Garden of Gethsemane. They were there as “He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch." He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.” (Mark 14:33-35) In His time of great distress, Jesus chose these men to be with Him. This was a great privilege.
The raising of Jairus’ daughter is the first of those occasions where only Peter James and John were allowed to be with Him. v37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. When they arrived at the house, they saw the despair among those who were there. v38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly.
This paints a picture of the grief that was experienced by the people as a result of this girl’s death. Death is never easy, but when it is a child the grief is even greater. In those days (due to the rapid decomposition of the bodies) burial followed very soon after death. The time immediately following the death of the young girl was their only opportunity to mourn.
Some of the people at Jairus’ house were paid mourners. – (Matthew 9:23 When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing…) Professional mourners were customarily hired to assist at funerals in those days. This involved people playing flutes and women weeping & wailing. When Jesus came into the house Jesus said ("Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.") v39
When the people heard this, they “laughed him to scorn”, they literally mocked Jesus and laughed in His face. The mourners were convinced of the irreversible nature of this girl’s death. They knew that the family would not have spent the money to hire them to mourn for the little girl if she was just sleeping. Also, their presence shows us that the girl had been dead long enough for the family to arrange her funeral. This further emphasizes the power that Jesus possessed. There was no question among those in attendance that the little girl was dead. But when Jesus arrived He said “The child is not dead, but sleeping”.
Here Jesus is speaking figuratively. He was saying that her death was only temporary. He knew that she would rise again. This is a great comfort to us concerning our loved ones who have died in Christ. Death is like sleeping for the body. When we die, our bodies “rest” until the moment of resurrection. (1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.) Though our bodies rest, our spirits immediately go to be with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8 we are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.)
We have much hope in Christ concerning the resurrection. But these people possessed no such hope. When Jesus said she would live again, they laughed in His face and refused to believe. Because of their ridicule and unbelief, these people missed out on the opportunity to witness one of the greatest miracles of Jesus’ ministry.
- As we come to verse 40. Let’s consider:
III. THE RESULT OF JESUS’ MIRACLE WORKING POWER
v40 …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.
Jesus put everyone out of the house except for Peter, James, John and the parents of the little girl. Then they entered into the room where the girl was. Jesus walked over to where Jesus was and – “He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." (v41) Mark records the original Aramaic words that Jesus uttered on this occasion. “Talitha” is the feminine form of the word “lamb” or “youth”; and “cumi” means to “arise”. When Jesus said “young girl arise” that is exactly what she did! It is important to note that Jesus said “I say unto you arise”. The main factor in this passage is not the faith of Jairus, nor is it the resurrection of the little girl. The most important truth in this scripture is the demonstration of Jesus’ power. If anyone else had of said this to the little girl, it would have had no effect.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus raised a young man (in Nain), an older man (Lazarus) and this little girl… he did it the same way each time, he spoke to them. What Jesus did for them physically, He has done for us spiritually. He came to where we were and spoke to us. By His amazing power He had brought us from death unto life!
This miracle is one of the greatest demonstrations of Jesus’ great power. You see, it was forbidden for the Jews to touch a dead body. (Numbers 19:11 'He who touches the dead body of anyone shall be unclean seven days.) When He raised this little girl, Jesus showed His power over uncleanness and death; for when He touched the young girl she was brought back to life. (v42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.) When Jesus touched this young girl there was an instantaneous transformation. She was not asleep or in a coma. She was dead and had been for some time. There were many witnesses that knew beyond any doubt that there was a corpse in the house. They did not know it but they were about to become witnesses of a resurrection! They would see the aftermath of one of Jesus’ greatest miracles. But there were five people who were able to see this transformation with their own eyes.
The Law required that two or three witnesses were required as a confirmation of truth. (Deuteronomy 17:6 whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness.) (Deuteronomy 19:15 "One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.)
In this event, there were more than three witnesses, there were five of them. Those who saw this were amazed at the miracle that had occurred right before their eyes. This small group already had a measure of faith in Jesus’ ability. But this miracle certainly increased the faith of those Disciples and the parents of the girl. But let’s not forget, there was a crowd of mourners outside of the house. Can you imagine their shock and amazement when they learned that the little girl had been raised from the dead? Jesus took this little girl by the hand, He spoke to her and she got up and walked around. For the rest of her life she was a testimony to the miracle working power of the Savior.
Jesus told the people to remain silent about this miracle. (v43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.) Obviously He knew that word of this amazing resurrection could not be contained. But He wanted the witnesses to at least allow Him enough time to leave the area. Jesus did not want the people to see Him only as a miracle worker. His miracles were intended to attest to the authenticity of His message concerning the arrival of the Kingdom. He also knew that the news of this miracle may have caused His Jewish opponents to seek Him out and kill Him prematurely.
This was a great miracle; and Peter, James and John were able to see it with their own eyes. Like those Disciples, we have the opportunity to see Jesus work great miracles. Some would say “but Jesus is not resurrecting people from the dead in our day.” I beg to differ; Jesus was, is and always will be “the resurrection and the life”. Our Lord and Savior has resurrected an innumerable multitude in 2020 and he will continue to do so in 2021.I am speaking of the fact that Jesus is still bringing people “from death unto life”.
Our problem is that we often have an earthly focus. Jesus is raising people eternally; we just don’t get to see that specific resurrection from our point of view. Jesus is still saving lost souls. He is forgiving people of their sins. He is granting them eternal life and a home in Heaven. The story of Jairus’ daughter illustrates the power and compassion of Jesus Christ. Just as He had power and compassion on her and her family, He has power and compassion that is available to us today.
If you have not been born again, know that there is a powerful Savior who can deliver you. Furthermore, He is loving and compassionate enough to do so. Those of us who have received salvation through Him should never cease to give Him praise for the work that He has done in our lives. And we should respond by telling others that He can transform them as well. We should be like Jairus; we should love others enough to go to Jesus on their behalf.
When Jairus approached Him, He listened and He responded. He left a multitude behind to go and give some personal attention to this one family. There is a multitude that needs Jesus today, but He is not too busy to do a great work in your life and in the life of your loved ones. May we seize the opportunity to experience and to share the good news about “The Power & Compassion Of Jesus Christ”.
