The Last Word Series

Series – Miracles in Mark

Pt. 3 - “The Last Word”

Mark 5:21-24, 35-43

Scripture Reading (35-43)

Three weeks ago we looked at the power that Jesus has over the demonic world. He cast 2,000 demons out of the maniac of Gadara. The results for this man were transformative for we see him cleansed, clothed and composed at the feet of Jesus. Two weeks ago we examined the Lord’s power over disease. As we observed earlier we all need to be reminded that nothing is impossible with Jesus. There are no limitations of his power. In some cases He touches and in some they touch him; in others He instructs them to observe certain aspects of the Mosaic Law; but in the majority of cases He simply speaks the word. In any case Jesus exercises absolute power no matter what the problem might be. This morning we see the ultimate expression of the Lord’s power over the natural world when He raises the daughter of Jarius from the dead. Let’s read the text and see what we can learn…

I. The Father’s Plea

We know from our study of chapter five that Jesus displayed power over the demonic world. He could do what even his disciples could not do. He also exercises complete control over all manner of diseases. No matter what the illness or sickness was He healed it. Over and over the gospels emphasis that He healed “all” that were brought to Him, all! The healings were complete and immediate. Jarius whose name means “God enlightens” comes to Jesus because he has heard of the miracles performed by this young Rabbi. Let’s see what we can learn about him from the text:

a. His background

We are told that Jarius is a “ruler of the sysnagogue” meaning that he has a position of power, prestige and privilege. We can see his desperation in the fact that very few religious leaders were willing to be seen with Jesus. We know that Nicodemus was not willing to be seen with Jesus except under the cover of darkness and Joseph of Arimathea came forward only after the Lord’s death so this is very unusual.

b. His behavior

Notice how this proud religious ruler falls prostrate at the feet of Jesus in humility and submission. This act on his part tells us that he held Jesus in the very highest esteem. His pride is nonexistent because of his concern for his daughter. This is very unusual on many levels, not the least of which is that girls where treated differently from boys in a Jewish family. Jewish parents want male children and girls were considered less important but for this man it is different. He obviously loves his daughter and he is willing to do anything to help her.

c. His belief

The Lord said “"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."

Mark 9:23

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

Lewis, C.S.

“God has decreed and ordained natural law, but it is not impossible for God to STEP IN and transcend the laws which He Himself has made. Parents transcend their laws in the home. A wise parent may say to a son, “You must be in by eleven o’clock tonight or suffer certain consequences.” The boy may return at twelve but explains to his father the reason for his being late and expresses sorrow at the worry caused. The father who made the law can certainly forgive the transgression of his law. The God of heaven is certainly within the province of His own law of love when He steps in on occasions and intervenes or transcends His own law. God Steps In when His children have faith to ask Him and their asking is within the province of His divine will. But if we have no faith, then everything moves along according to the laws already set in motion.”

Harold W. Boyer

Again when we look at the narrative this father pleads with the Lord to heal his child. The KJV says that he, “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.” Note that when he left his home his daughter was still alive and where there is life there is hope; right? We are told that the Lord went with him and a multitude followed them…

II. The Daughter’s Problem

a. Her prognosis

She was literally “at the point of death” or in the agonies of death as some commentaries translate this phrase. She is dying. We do not know the cause or what the illness was but there was a sense of urgency in the father’s request. He is emphatic and you almost hear the emotion in his voice. We can also assume that the best medical care available had been summoned to help her but to no avail and these parents had heard the dreadful truth that there was nothing more to be done, but God. The father felt certain that if Jesus did not help her, there was only one possible outcome.