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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