The All-Sufficient Christ
by Rev. James May
Mark 5:21-43
One of the most troubling things that we hear every day is sound of sirens from police cars, fire engines and ambulances as they speed down the highway. We know that somewhere, someone is in trouble. I find myself often whispering a prayer as I see them go by, asking the Lord to help those who are waiting for their arrival.
What is even more troubling and frightening is when those sirens are drawing ever closer to where you are because it is your home, or your family member, or perhaps you, yourself, who needs their help.
If you have ever had a fire in your home, like we did some years ago, there is no more welcome sight than the fire engine, with lights flashing and siren blaring, as it screams down the street, comes to a halt and the firemen go into action. If you have ever been in an accident on the highway or had a family member have a medical emergency, the sight of a policeman, or an ambulance coming down the road to your aid, is a most welcome sight. Thank God for the men and women who are trained to handle those kinds of emergencies and who often will put their own lives on the line to help people like you and I in those times of distress.
In our message for today I want you to imagine with me that you are in the place of one of the characters in this story found in the Word of God. Let us begin by reading in the Book of Mark.
Mark 5:21-24, "And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him."
Only a few hours had passed since Jesus had done a mighty miracle in the land of the Gadarenes. There he had delivered two men from demons. (Matthew says 2, but Mark says one, because he only mentions the worst of them) The demons had left the men and entered into a herd of pigs causing the pigs to run off a cliff and drown in the sea.
After that miracle, the people of Gadara requested that Jesus leave. They didn’t want any part of his ministry because it was too damaging to their economy and too revealing of the sinful lifestyles that they lived.
Jesus is a perfect gentleman. He is God, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-seeing, and yet, He is also gentle, kind and very careful not to offend the free-will moral agency of men. He will not be where His is not wanted or invited. He will not do what he is asked not to do. He will not force His will upon those who want nothing to do with Him. And so, he left Gadara, entered into a boat, and sailed to other side of the sea where we see him in this story.
Of course, the fame of what he had done preceded his arrival, not only of the deliverance of the demoniacs, but of the teaching that he had already done and the multitude of miracles that he had already performed. There is no doubt that every where Jesus went, people were healed, set free from bondages and given a new lease on life.
Never a man had spoken with such power and authority as Christ! Elijah, Moses, Elisha and all of the prophets of old had spoken with power and authority under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, but all of them added together were only a drop in the bucket compared to the power of the Word spoken from the lips of Jesus. He is very God, in the form of man, and every word from his lips carried creative power, and power of authority and judgment. No demon from hell could withstand His Word. Sickness, disease and even death were under his control.
It is no wonder that Jesus was thronged everywhere He went. I can imagine that I would have been in that crowd too, if I had lived in that day. In fact, in a manner of speaking, we are all in that crowd right now. We are all here to hear His Word. We are all here because He spoke a miracle into our lives. We are all here because we recognize that no other man speaks like Jesus.
As quickly as Jesus stepped out of the boat, the crowds began to gather. He kept close to the shore as he began to walk along. That’s when our story begins to happen.
There came a man moving quickly to meet him. Jairus, a chief ruler of the synagogue, came up to Jesus and fell at his feet. (ee-ah’-i-ros is the Hebrew pronunciation and that same name appears as Jair in Jewish records) Jairus’ name meant “enlightened”. That was a fitting name for him because he was among the few members of the religious leaders of the Jews that recognized that there was more to Jesus than just a man.
Jairus was almost in a panic and I dare say that any of us would have acted any different under the circumstances that he faced. His baby, his little girl, lay at home near death. The doctors had given up and it wouldn’t be long until she was gone. Jarius knew that her only hope, and his only hope, was in Jesus.
Oh that men everywhere would learn that lesson before it is too late.
If only we could get the world to realize that there is no hope outside of Jesus. Medical science has no permanent answer to your dilemma. Doctors cannot stop death from coming. They cannot keep you from growing old. No amount of exercise, diet regimens or medicines will restore your youth and vitality for long. Sooner or later, the body will begin to age and weaken.
Military power, government programs, peace treaties and social services are not your hope for tomorrow. All of those things will not satisfy the need of your soul for salvation. Your only hope is in Christ. He is the only all-sufficient One! We must follow Jarius’ example and fall at the feet of Jesus, seeking his grace, his mercy and his power to meet our need.
Jairus was desperate. He would have called “911” if there had been one to call. He would have called the ambulance, the fire department, the police, even the U. S. Marines, if there would have been any to call. But no one could help him – NO ONE BUT JESUS!
In his mind and heart, the sirens were blaring, the emergency could not have been any more real to him. His daughter, his beloved little daughter, the love of his life, was dying and he was desperate. I can imagine, as he fell at the feet of Jesus, he tried to maintain his composure to reflect his position in life in front of the crowd as he asked Jesus to come to this house and heal his daughter. But I can also imagine that down deep inside, his heart was screaming as loudly as it could, “JESUS! JESUS! JESUS! I NEED YOU RIGHT NOW! I CAN’T WAIT ANY LONGER! THIS IS MY LAST CALL! I’M GOING UNDER! HELP ME NOW! DON’T WAIT! I NEED YOU RIGHT NOW!”
Can you relate to how Jarius must have felt? I believe you can.
Of course Jesus would not ignore this cry from a heart of despair! He will hear your cry too if you will only come to him and ask. Just as quickly as he began to move toward answering the prayer of Jarius, he will begin to answer your prayer also.
Is it possible that Jesus already knew that Jarius’ daughter was sick? Is it possible that from the moment He stepped into the boat on the other side of the sea in Gardara, or even long before that, that Jesus knew he was going to come to meet the need of Jarius on this day, at this place and at this moment in time?
I believe that God is already working, right now, to answer the needs in your life that have yet to arise. When you come to the end of your rope, remember that Jesus knew the rope would end before you ever started holding on to it, much less came to the end of it. Jesus is our all-sufficient God, and nothing takes Him by surprise. Before you ever pray your prayer, the answer has already been prepared and is already on the way!
Jesus knew the desperate need of Jairus and he was quick to respond by walking toward the house where Jairus’ daughter lay. As he walked the crowds went with him. Every person in that crowd vied for the attention of Christ as he walked. Every one of them had a need. I wonder how many of them had a need that was almost as desperate as Jarius?
I know that at least one of them did. Read a little further with me now.
Mark 5:25-34, "And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague."
We hear of this miracle of healing very often. It is so wonderful to know that Jesus’ power is all-sufficient. Even while he is in the process of answering the prayer of one, He can meet the need of others. This little woman was just as desperate as Jarius. She needed the Master’s touch too and she wasn’t going to let this opportunity go by without getting the answer to her prayer, no matter what it took.
She pushed, prodded, and made her way to the feet of Jesus just like Jairus, but there was a difference. Because of the crowd, her weakness and the culture that did not allow women to be as outspoken as the men, all she could do was to reach out by faith and touch the hem of his garment. But that was all she needed. The power of God was released into her life by faith and she was healed.
Jesus stopped, took time to discover who had touched him by faith, and gave a personal audience to this woman. He took the time to notice her when no one else had even seen her. He honored her faith and she was delivered.
Can you imagine what Jarius may have been thinking during all this time? I can just imagine that, while the scriptures don’t say anything about this, Jarius may have stood next to Jesus watching all this transpire with the woman with the issue of blood, in quiet panic and desperation, but inside, he was screaming, “NO, JESUS! DON’T STOP! MY DAUGHTER IS DYING AND WE CAN’T TAKE TIME TO TALK TO ANYONE! AFTER ALL, I WAS HERE FIRST. MY NEED IS GREATER THAN THIS WOMAN’S NEED RIGHT NOW. SHE ISN’T DYING AND MY DAUGHTER IS. YOU CAN ALWAYS COME BACK TO THIS WOMAN BUT THIS IS MY LAST CHANCE. COME ON JESUS! LET’S GO! I NEED YOU NOW!”
I have felt that way before, haven’t you? God why are you not answering my prayer? Why is it that others seemed to get blessed, delivered, healed and set free when I have cried, begged and prayed and tried to believe you for the answer to my need and you still haven’t come to me? What’s the delay? I need you too!
We have to understand and realize that Jesus is a sovereign Lord! His will, will be done, but it will be done in his time and in his manner of choosing. Our job is to believe and to hold on to his promises, trusting in him for the answer to our prayers and then God do what he must in his own time.
Finally now, Jesus was finishing his words with the woman and was beginning to turn to walk on to Jairus’ house to touch Jairus’ daughter. I can imagine that Jairus breathed a little sigh of relief to see that Jesus was continuing on with him. Maybe, just maybe, they could still get there in time. As they walked I can imagine that Jarius was doing everything he could to speed up the pace. I can imagine that he wanted to run as fast as he could, but he could only walk as fast as Jesus and the throng of people would allow.
Then, the unthinkable happened! A messenger came running toward them with a very sad and solemn look upon his face. As Jairus saw him coming, he recognized him, and I’m certain that Jarius’ heart began to sink as he expected the news to be bad, and it was.
Mark 5:35, "While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?"
What pain, grief and despair must have overwhelmed Jairus at this very moment! If only Jesus would have been a few minutes earlier; if only the crowd had not been there; if only the woman with the issue of blood had waited one more day to touch Jesus; if only the disciples had not attracted so much of Jesus’ time and attention; if only; if only – then my daughter might have been healed. But it’s too late now. It’s over. “Jesus, you are truly a great man, a great teacher, even a prophet of God, and maybe even more than that, but there’s nothing you can do for me now. It’s too late for me.”
Have you ever had those feelings in your own heart? Has there ever been a time when you looked up toward Heaven and thought or said those same things to God? God, I still trust you, I will still live for you, but I haven’t given up hope for the answer to this need because it’s gone too far now. I appreciate your thought, your love, your concern and especially your salvation of my soul, but my need is such that I must bear it alone now. Don’t trouble yourself with it any longer! Then you walk away from God in despair and hopelessness, resigning yourself to your lot in life, and settle in to suffer for the duration.
I want you to know that it’s not over until it’s over. The bell hasn’t sounded. The benediction hasn’t been read. The answer is still on the way and Jesus has not forgotten your need. He can still answer your prayer if you will stay by his side.
Jesus was stricken by the desperation and hopelessness of Jairus. Jesus is our all-sufficient God, and when things seem so very impossible for us, they are still very possible to Him.
Mark 5:36-37, "As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James."
I wonder if Jairus’ faith was suddenly increased, or if he just walked on trying to believe. He had nothing to lose by continuing but he wasn’t sure just what Jesus could, or would do now. I tend to believe that Jairus continued on with Jesus toward his house, with only a very faint glimmer of hope, if any hope at all. He walked because Jesus was walking. He probably didn’t say much. His heart was too overcome with grief.
At his point, the throng began to disperse. When it came to going to Jairus’ home to take care of a death in the family, they didn’t want any part of it.
Understand this folks, the crowds will be with you when the miracles are happening; they will rejoice with you when you rejoice; they will party with you when the party is happening; but when you cry, you cry alone and when you hurt, you hurt alone. They crowds will go away to look for another miracle and another party.
Notice that the only ones who stayed the course to Jairus’ house were Jairus, probably his servant, Jesus and the three closest disciples. There is a lesson to be learned here.
When your troubles come and your life takes a turn that is unpleasant to deal with there are only a few people you can usually count on. Blood is thicker than water and when the going gets tough, you can usually count on those who are members of your own household to stay with you to the end because of their love and concern.
You might counsel with many preachers, talk with many other Christians, but when the chips are down, you won’t be able find many of them because they simply have enough troubles of their own. That’s when you find out who your real minister is and your real friends are.
Then, most importantly, Jesus will always be there, even when you think that he has failed you, He’ll still be there. Even when you think that he doesn’t care, He’ll still be there. Even when you think you have to carry the load all alone, He’ll be there carrying both you and the load you bear. Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother and he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Jesus avoided the crowds now because he didn’t want to draw attention to what he was about to do and cause friction with the religious leaders. His ministry was still in full swing and this was not the time to antagonize the crowd. They would cry “Crucify Him” soon enough, but this was not the time.
Let us continue reading:
Mark 5:38-40, "And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying."
They finally reached the house, but they could near the noise of the sorrow and grief long before they came to the door.
The professional mourners, hired to cry loudly, and lament strongly for the loss of a child, could be heard through the streets. In addition, the family had its own share of mourners who were making a scene. This was the custom of that time when a death occurred.
Jesus spoke to them and said, “Why all the hubbub? What are you so sad about? She’s only asleep! She’s about to wake up!”
“ONLY ASLEEP!” “ONLY ASLEEP!” HA! SHE HASN’T TAKEN A BREATH FOR A LONG TIME NOW! SHE IS ALREADY PALE AND SHE IS DEAD! SHE’S NOT SLEEPING, SHE IS DEAD! D – E – A – D, DEAD! LOOK FOR YOURSELF IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE US. – ONLY SLEEPING! HA!
It’s no wonder that Jesus had to put these out of the house. How could he perform a miracle with so much blasphemy, ridicule, division, disrespect and unbelief around?
Do you get the point in this? Can you see what you must do if you are going to get the answer to your prayers?
Even an All-Sufficient Christ can’t answer your prayer in the midst of unbelief like these folks had. If you have people around you that tell you that you are crazy for believing for a miracle – get away from them. If you are allowing the devil to hang around on your shoulder telling you that it’s impossible to get your answer – then kick him off and chase him away. If you have Christian friends that don’t have faith that your answer can come then look for new friend who will help you believe. If Jesus had to kick the unbelieving people out to perform a miracle, and bring in only those who were “with him” in believing for a miracle, then we have to do the same thing.
Mark 5:41-43, "And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat."
After all the unbelievers were driven out and the door was closed, Jesus walked over to the bed where the little girl was lying. He took her by the hand and he didn’t give some long-winded prayer. All he said was “Little Girl, Arise!”
Immediately life returned, her heart began to pump, the brain damage caused by lack of oxygen was completely healed, the disease that had killed her was gone, and she got up off of that bed and began to walk around as though nothing had happened. She was 12 years old and full of energy now. She was hungry, after all, she had just woke up from a nap and how many teenagers are hungry after a nap. Her life was back to normal and she would have to continue on until God called her home sometime in the future. But for now, give her something to eat and go on with life.
WHAT A DEMONSTRATION OF THE ALL-SUFFICIENT POWER OF CHRIST! He is the Resurrection and the Life!
One word from his lips and all of creation comes to attention.
One word from his lips and your circumstances fade away.
One word from his lips and doubts, fear, frustration, unbelief, sorrow and grief are gone. One word from his lips bring faith into reality and your need is met in such a way that it is astonishing.
When you have a need – Christ is All-Sufficient!
When you are sick – Christ is All-Sufficient!
When you are desperate for an answer – Christ is All-Sufficient!
When you need Salvation for your soul – Christ is All-Sufficient!
When it seems that you can’t get an answer – Christ is All-Sufficient!
When your faith is weak, and doubt hangs over you like a storm cloud – Christ is Sufficient!
Do you have a need this morning that you have prayed for and it seems the answer will never come! Keep on following Jesus. Keep on believing in God. Keep on trusting in God. In God’s time, and in God’s way, your answer will come.
Christ is All-Sufficient!
