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128. "Talitha Koum!"


Matthew 9:23-26, Mark 5:35-43, Luke 8:49-56, Acts 9:36-43
Key verse: Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
Mark 5:36

If the book of Mark is, as it is believed, Peter's eye witness account written down by Mark, it is easy to understand why he gives such a detailed account of this miracle. As we can see, though a silent observer, Peter was watching and learning, and he himself would imitate Jesus in his own ministry years later with a dear saint named Tabitha.

We are left to wonder, was Jairus a secret follower of Jesus, or like so many of the other religious leaders, had he mocked Jesus in the past, but now turns to Him as a last resort? Notice, all of that detail is left out. We know nothing about Jairus’ character, but that he was a ruler of his local synagogue and therefore, a respected member of the community. Yet, Jesus does not treat him any differently than he does any of the others who are in need. Title does not matter. Good works do not matter. If they did, do you really think that Jesus would have bothered to deal with the unclean woman (that we discussed yesterday) ahead of responding to a respected leader?

The past doesn't matter either. Just suppose Jairus had been one to ridicule Jesus in the past. If he were, the past has been dropped in God's sea of forgetfulness, to be remembered no more. (Psalm 103) This story could have been used as an example of Jesus loving an enemy, but none of that is important to God's retelling of this event. Jairus is simply a man in need. His daughter is near death, or as we learn, has actually died, and Jesus has come along side to encourage a parent in a hopeless situation, while Peter is watching.

Consider the mourners who were probably being paid to make such a racket. Jesus dismisses them, while they laugh at Him. Jesus knew the truth so He could ignore the world's mockery. Could we imitate Him as boldly when the world mocks us for our faith?

Then, Jesus simply wakes the little girl up and calls her parents to care for her. How simple, how quiet, how private and how beautiful. Often, it is in the quietness that God uses us. It's in the simple things that He calls us to serve Him. If we are always watching, however, as Peter was watching, you just never know how what you have learned from Him will be used to bless others.

Hymn: Gentle Jesus

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