Mark 5:21-24

Passage

Jesus goes back across the sea, and another great crowd gathers.  Then one of the leaders in the affairs of the local synagogue came out to Jesus and fell at Jesus’ feet.  Jairus was his name.  Jairus implored Jesus to come and lay hands on his daughter for his daughter was at the point of death.  Jairus believed that Jesus could make her well.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus heads back across the lake.  Remember that he originally went to the Gerasenes from this side of the Lake of Galilee having spent a long time preaching to the crowd.  Now, Jesus is asked to leave the Gerasenes to head back to the area that he just left.  It makes sense that a large crowd would gather.  Jesus was coming back after having just left.  It is somewhat likely – given human nature to gossip and spread news – that word of Jesus’ interaction with the demon-possessed man had already reached around the lake.  When God’s power is on display, people are always drawn to the “event.”

Why are people drawn to the supernatural?  Does being drawn to the supernatural always translate into being drawn to a relationship with God?  Why or why not?

Second Thought:

A synagogue leader named Jairus comes out to Jesus.  Remember the context of Jesus’ ministries.  Every single time Jesus goes into a synagogue to preach there is an argument between Jesus and the Pharisees, scribes, or even members of the Sanhedrin.  Jesus was not particularly appreciated in the official religious capacity of Judaism.  So this synagogue leader is risking a huge portion of his social status just to come in close contact with Jesus.  When he asks a favor of Jesus, he is putting his whole social standing on the line.

Do you ever risk anything because of your faith?  Do you risk social standing when you announce that you are a Christian or when you make choices based on your beliefs?  How is Jairus an inspirational figure with that regard?

Third Thought:

Jairus believes that Jesus can do something.  He isn’t just using Jesus to get what he wants; Jairus genuinely believes that Jesus has the power from God that He says He has.  Jairus is able to risk because he has a deep internal faith.  He also is motivated by a deep internal love for his daughter.  It is amazing what faith and personal relationships will help us to accomplish with respect to God’s will.

Why would faith be such an important part of what allows Jairus to come to Jesus?  What does this story teach us about the value of faith and a relationship with God?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 5:25-29