City Life Starter

Written by Blesson Selvanesan

The Word

²² Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet ²³ and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” ²⁴ And he went with him.

³⁵ While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” ³⁷ And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸ They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹ And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” ⁴⁰ And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴² And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. ⁴³ And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Mark 5:22-24, 35-43 ESV

Interpretation

Jairus was a local leader and is a popular figure. He had servants and people to attend to him and to his family and was wealthy. Despite his fame and fortune, when his daughter became sick and was in her death bed, he could not do anything about it and was desperate. That’s when he met Jesus, fell at his feet, and asked him to heal his daughter. Jesus went with him but did not say anything about what he was going to do.

As soon as they came to know that Jairus’ daughter was dead, they all told why bother now, she is gone. What is the point in bringing Jesus? They all tried to put God’s ability in a box. Their faith was a healing faith but not a resurrecting faith! They were using a human yardstick to measure God. They only recognized Jesus as a healer and prophet, not as God incarnate who had the ability to bring back life. But Jesus went in and did the unthinkable. The little girl came back to life!

Application

Feelings aside, God is in absolute control. Nothing is over until God says it’s over. If it’s delayed, it will be for the glory of God. People may mock or give up, but if God decides to do something, He will and his timing will be exactly right. Let’s trust in God’s sovereignty and wisdom.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Help us to trust in Your wisdom, ability, timing and sovereignty. Help us to be patient and trust in your goodness. You are able to resurrect dead ones to life. Give us hope in our desperate times. In Jesus’ name, amen.