Mark 5:35-37

FOR MONDAY, April 8

Passage

While Jesus was still speaking to the woman with the hemorrhage, some friends of Jairus’ came from his house.  They told him that his daughter was dead and there was no reason to bother Jesus any longer.  Jesus overheard them talking and told Jairus to not fear.  He also told Jairus that he should only believe.  Then Jesus went off to Jairus’ house.  The only people allowed to go with Jesus were Peter, James, and John.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus makes a great statement of belief in this passage.  Remember that He was just coming off of dealing with a timid woman who had all the faith in the world that the mere touch of Jesus would be enough.  Using her as an example, Jesus now turns to Jairus and tells him to have faith.  The impossible was just done through this woman, who is to say what else Jesus can or cannot do?

Why is it easy to doubt?  Why would Jairus have an especially easy time doubting once he got the report about his daughter?  How can we go about remembering to have faith?  Why should we be open to the faith examples in all people regardless of their status?

Second Thought:

Jairus’ friends try to convince Jairus to not bother Jesus.  For them, the story is over.  The girl is dead.  For Jairus’ friends, there is no reason to involve Jesus.  They do not yet believe – or probably even understand – that death is no obstacle for Jesus.  They aren’t going through life with eyes that see the power of God.  They are going through life with eyes that only see reality.

How often do you go through life seeing not what you think will happen but rather what could happen with God?  Do you ever find yourself talking people out of something that seems impossible – even for God?  Why do we have to be careful in such times?

Third Thought:

Jesus only took his three closest disciples.  This was a moment of intense training.  Not everyone was ready to be see what Jesus was about to do.  Not everyone could see it in the right frame of reference.  Not everyone could be trusted with what they were about to see.  Not everyone could be relied upon to do just as Jesus says.  These three, however, could.  Jesus takes them with him to deal with the most troublesome of life’s issues: death.

How do you think Peter, James, and John got themselves into this position with Jesus?  What about them might make them more reliable, more trainable, or more trustworthy?  Are you in close discipleship with someone who can count on you as Jesus can count on these three?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 5:38-40