Mark 5:38-40

FOR TUESDAY, April 9

Passage

They came to Jairus’ house.  Jesus saw a great commotion of people weeping and wailing.  Jesus went into the house and asked the people why they were weeping.  After all, from His perspective the young girl was only sleeping, not dead.  They laughed at Jesus.  Jesus put the mourners outside and took Peter, James, John, Jairus, and Jairus’ wife in to see the girl. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus sees an incredible commotion within Jairus’ house.  In those days, it was common for people to pay public mourners.  After all, the more mourners at your funeral, the more society says that you are loved, right?  Isn’t that why today people talk about how many people come to a funeral?  Either way, Jesus sees a group of people who are weeping and wailing loudly – making a commotion.

Do you ever get the feeling that people make a “show” of their emotions?  Why do people feel the need to put on a certain face and live up to society’s expectations?

Second Thought:

Jesus confronts these so-called mourners.  He asks them why they are weeping.  They laugh at him.  If they were genuinely mourning, Jesus’ message could have either brought hope or extreme grief as the mourners could have perceived Jesus messing with them.  However, the fact that these mourners can find time to laugh at the incredible thing that Jesus suggests implies that they are not genuinely mourning.  They aren’t here because they care about the little girl.  They aren’t even here because they are interested in what God is doing.  They are here to fulfill a social obligation.  Jesus has little time for their external “show.”  He puts them outside.

How would you have reacted if Jesus came to you and told you that someone you know who is dead is really just sleeping?  In what way could this message bring you hope?  In what way might this message scare you?  Can you think of any legitimate reason that you would laugh at Jesus?

Third Thought:

After Jesus sets the false mourners outside, Jesus takes the remaining five people with Him.  These are the people who are prepared to receive what Jesus has come to do.  His disciples are prepared.  Jairus and his wife have displayed faith.  Those who are ready to receive Jesus when He comes among us will see the miraculous hand of God at work.

What has God done in your life that has been pretty miraculous?  What have you missed out on seeing God do because you weren’t prepared for Him when He came?  How can we try to always be prepared for what God is doing?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 5:41-43