Needs Met In Jesus!

We can imagine Jairus’ impatience as the events of yesterday occur. Then, however, his impatience turns to despair as people arrive to tell him, “It’s too late.” His worst fears are realized as he is told his daughter is dead. Once again, the situation is beyond human hope and help. Just like the unnamed woman, however, Jairus hears the comforting words of Jesus, “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus encourages Jairus to have faith and not to fear, even though the situation appears hopeless. 

Many Western societies today avoid discussing death and grief, thus keeping the experience very private. Jewish society was not like that. Professional mourners came to highlight the grief of the family, and their presence in this story emphasizes the point: Jairus’ daughter was dead and beyond human hope. Jesus says that she is asleep, not because she was not really dead, but because he could view her death in the light of the miracle that was to follow. Then, against all normal, human experience, the miracle happens: Jairus’ daughter is raised to life.  To show that she is not a ghost, Jesus commands the parents to give her something to eat. After all, ghosts don’t eat (c.f. Luke 24:41-43; John 21:12-15)!   

With this story, Mark concludes a sequence of four stories, beginning with the stilling of the storm (4:35-41). In these stories Jesus demonstrated his power over nature, evil spirits, chronic illness and death itself. In every case, the situations of desperate people were transformed. Jesus’ life was given in service to those in desperate need and beyond human help. Of course, every one of us has been in that situation because our greatest need is to know that our sins have been dealt with and forgiven. Only God can do that, and he does!

Spend time thanking God for meeting your deepest need for forgiveness, and for the forgiveness you have received.