IN THE FACE OF DEATH
Opening Prayer
Thank You, God, that I can celebrate Your faithfulness.
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[a] 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.
Footnotes:
a Mark 5:36 Or Ignoring
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
When do you think was your faith most tested?In the face of the girl’s death, Jairus’ servants say, “No point bothering Him any more then” (35). Surely no one can fix death – it’s the final full stop. But Jesus brings Jairus back to believing the impossible (36).
This is how it is when heaven breaks in – situations like this are turned upside down: unless you lose your life, you won’t gain it (Mark 8:35); unless seeds die, there won’t be new life (John 12:24); believe in Me and you’ll live, even though you die (John 11:25).
As Mark writes, he hurries us on towards Jesus’ death and resurrection. The events now taking place all point in that direction (39). But for now we stick by Him in His mission of dispelling darkness, pain, fear, and grief from the lives of those around us, especially those who don’t yet know Him. Will you have the opportunity for that today?
Let’s stay close to the One with whom dying is like the momentary passing of a cloud in front of the sun.
Apply
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54). Remember our three questions? How have you grown closer to Jesus today?
Closing prayer
Jesus, You have the power of life! May the life that I now live in the flesh be lived out by my faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:20).
Book and Author Intros
Extras
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.