2.28.2015
Saturday of Lent 1 Mark 5:21-43 Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter
from death
Jesus raises Jairus' daughter
Jesus returns to the Jewish side of the
Seas of Galilee by boat. He is met by Jairus, a leader in the local synagogue,
who begs Jesus to come to his house to heal his little daughter. Jesus decides
to god, but He is interrupted by a woman who touches Him to get healing for her
twelve-year-old issue of blood. This cause a delay and friends report that
Jairus’ daughter has died. Jesus ignores this and goes to the home. A great
multitude is already mourning. He asks them why they are mourning, for He
claims that the child is not dead but sleeping. Their ridicule does not stop Him.
In Aramaic He addresses the girl. To the amazement of all, she rises from death
to life. He orders silence about the miracle and food for the girl.
Jesus takes the girl by the hand and
says, “I say to you, arise.” The dead hear His voice and obey! Here is an
instance demonstrating the authority and power of Jesus’ word. What He says
happens. Who but God can with a word bring life out of death? It is no wonder
Jesus orders His disciples and Jairus to tell no one of the miracle. He did not
want people to see or accept Him as Messiah on the basis of miracles. The
revelation of His identity was to come on the cross.[2]
Do circumstances dictate faith? Consider
Jairus. His daughter was ill. What parent would not stop at anything to seek treatment
for sick child? Naturally, he goes to the one he knows will restore her. He
runs to Jesus. He has faith that Jesus can restore her. This hope is raised
when Jesus accepts the invitation to go to his house. That faith is tried when
Jesus is interrupted by a woman also seeking treatment, and might have been
crushed when he receives the disturbing news, “why trouble the Master, your
daughter is dead.” When could have been will not happen. Healing was once possible.
Death seemed to exhaust all hope.
Jesus speaks new life to this helpless
situation with His word and promise, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” Not only
does Jesus take charge in this impossible circumstance. He is the object of
such hope and trust. Do you only trust only when circumstances dictate a
positive end? Faith must always be focused on Christ. Not a desired outcome.
And especially when all hope is lost. The impossible, “the child sleeps”
becomes the new reality, “I say to you arise.”
O God, by your Word
you marvelously carry out the work of reconciliation: Grant that in our Lenten
fast we may be devoted to you with all our hearts, and united with one another
in prayer and holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.[3]
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