"The Authority Of Jesus Gives Freedom”

In Jesus Holy Name June 30, 2024

Text: Mark 5:28, 41 Pentecost VI Redeemer

“The Authority of Jesus Gives Freedom”

(read the text)

“56 men in wool suits and high collars met for weeks in cramped quarters in the hot, muggy, Philadelphia, June of 1776. The windows were nailed shut lest spies report on their discussions. They argued about taxation, slavery, and big states vs. small states. But one mission became clear - the need for independence and freedom from English tyranny.

On July 4th, The Declaration of Independence was signed. Each year we celebrate the birth of our nation and the core values of what it means to be American. There will be parades. BBQ’s, and hopefully people will remember that the Declaration of Independence meant freedom for the 13 American colonies as they severed their political connections to Great Britain.

The Preamble to the Declaration of Independence begins: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Each Sunday in our journey through the Gospel of Mark, we know that Mark is asking his readers to answer these questions: 1. Who is Jesus? 2. Does Jesus have the authority of God to set people free from the tyranny of the devil, disease and the fear of death. The answer is yes.

In Mark 4 Jesus speaks to the storm and “it runs out of breath”. The disciples, who have witnessed hundreds if not thousands of miracles, themselves are forced to ask: “Who is this man, even the wind and waves obey him?” (Matthew 4) So, they, like all who encounter Jesus must make a decision: “is God in our boat?”

Mark is challenging the reader’s mind. Do you need more proof? Jesus has the authority to set people free from disease, and the fear of death. Here is what happened next…. Mark 5:21

“…. Jesus and the disciples crossed back over the lake to the Jewish side….” Another large crowd gathers. This time a synagogue ruler…Jairus

(chair-ruhs) came pleading for his daughter’s life. The other is a woman; out of respect for her health issues, the Bible does not record her name. But her illness makes her an outcast from community and family.

Jairus is the leader of the synagogue. That may not mean much to you and me, but in the 1st century the leader of the synagogue was the most important man in the community. The synagogue was the center of religion, education, leadership, and social activity. The leader of the synagogue was the senior religious leader, the highest-ranking professor, the mayor, and the best known citizen all in one.

Jairus has it all. Job security. A guaranteed welcome at the coffee shop. A pension plan. Golf every Thursday and an annual all-expenses-paid trip to the national convention. Who could ask for more? Yet Jairus does. In fact, he would trade the whole package of perks and privileges for just one assurance—that his daughter will live. He knew Jesus could free his daughter from an illness that was snuffing out her breath.

You can hear the plea in the voice of Jairus’ wife: “Go find the Rabbi! Hurry!”

On the other hand, the hemorrhaging woman in the crowd was a social outcast. Everything in her life was forbidden. She could not cook for her family. She could not hold her children. She was considered unclean as one who was under the judgment of God and therefore not allowed to set foot in the synagogue. She had been impoverished by the doctors who could not cure her. Jesus was her last hope, her only hope to find freedom. “If only I touch His clothes I will be healed.” She said.

Falling down at the feet of Jesus, Jarius begged Jesus to come to his house because his only daughter (who was about 12 years of age) was gravely ill and dying. Jesus agreed to go with him. There is no talk of insurance policies; no scheduling of an appointment. Marks simply states: “Jesus went with him.”

The distance is short. The crowd was close, slowing their progress. How impatient the father must have been. The clock was ticking, every moment was important. As they went, people began to press in around Jesus. The New English Bible puts it dramatically: "He could hardly breathe for the press of the crowds." The people were so excited to be near the master that they were pushing and shoving and crowding in close to Him.

Suddenly a hand reaches out and touches the tassel on the robe of Jesus. He stops, looks around and asked: “Who touched me?” What a foolish question, his disciples thought.