Mark 5:37 – 42
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.
Have you ever been so desperate that you’ll try anything? Sickness or disease personally or perhaps that of a loved one – you’ve tried all the conventional remedies, but no joy. This is how the synagogue leader Jairus must have felt over his dying daughter. He was a person who was a leader in the community, part of the establishment, and naturally opposed to Jesus who was challenging their status quo.
So, he called Jesus at great risk to his reputation. It didn’t matter, ‘anything for my daughter to live’ he thought. The crowds were clamouring for a piece of Jesus and in his own time Jesus was gradually making his way to the Jairus’ home. Miraculous healings took place everywhere he went. And then an unclean woman touched Jesus, making him ceremonially unclean, despite her being healed. He should not have come, but he did. And he does. And he will. He was too late, she had died. But he wasn’t. And she lived. Jesus raises the dead, and incredibly he even makes dead souls live.
Whatever your situation, no matter how desperate, call out to Jesus for help. It’s never too late. What is impossible for man is possible with God.
Sean Kluyts – Creek Road
