Alive!
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, what immeasurable power You have! How great and good You are! I praise and honor You!
Read Mark 5:35-43
[35] While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” [36] Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” [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. [43] He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How did Jesus astound these people?It was no small thing for a synagogue ruler, part of the establishment, to humble himself and publicly ask Jesus for help in front of a large crowd (22,23). But Jairus, like the woman we met yesterday, was desperate. This was a father willing to do anything for his little girl, no matter how much he lost face. No wonder Jesus had compassion for him. I wonder how the disciples reacted on hearing the news that the little girl was dead (35)? Did they start to turn around, thinking the journey was over? Just as with sickness, Jesus was not afraid of death, and with some words of reassurance for Jairus he forged ahead (36). How quickly the mourners changed to mockers (39,40). Would you or I have been put off by the ridicule? Yet Jesus again displays total authority, “putting them all out” of the house, before raising the girl from the dead, handing her back into the arms of forever grateful parents. Where do you put yourself in this picture? Are you skeptical of Jesus’ ability and willingness to heal today, or are you reaching out to him, willing to look stupid in front of the crowd, risking praying for the sick?
Apply
If God gives you the opportunity to pray for someone who is sick, will you take it? Pray for someone now.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, may I always be willing to do whatever I can for others, no matter what ridicule I may face.
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