Slices
Prepare
When was your faith most tested, do you think? Thank God if you can celebrate his faithfulness during that time, or pray if you think there are still things to resolve about it.
Bible passage
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.
Explore
In the face of the girl’s death, Jairus’ servants say, ‘No point bothering him any more then’ (v 35). Surely no one can fix death – it’s the final full stop. But Jesus brings Jairus back to believing the impossible (v 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 (v 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.
Respond
‘“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”’ (1 Corinthians 15:54,55). Remember our three questions from 18 June? How have you grown closer to Jesus today?
Deeper Bible study
‘And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’1
Jairus is sharply contrasted to the woman with the haemorrhage (vs 25–34). The woman was unnamed and had no status. She was unclean, shameful and lonely. Jairus was a synagogue leader, someone with a position of authority and prestige. Yet both were desperate people with urgent needs. Jairus’ daughter was close to death and he begged Jesus to come to heal her. Yet the journey to Jairus’ home was interrupted by the woman with the flowing blood – and Jairus received news that his daughter had died. His messengers tried to persuade him to ask Jesus not to proceed further.
Unperturbed by their remarks, Jesus told Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe’ (v 36). He then continued his journey to Jairus’ home. This journey must have been a long and difficult one for Jairus. He had just witnessed Jesus heal a woman suffering from bleeding. Could he believe that Jesus was able to raise his daughter from death? He could only cling on to the words of assurance from Jesus. It served as a reminder that Jesus remained in control and that death was not the ultimate end. Jairus’ faith was rewarded when Jesus raised his daughter to life.
Having faith in Jesus is a personal, continuing commitment. It is often tested when we go through the darkest of nights and the valley of the shadow of death. Whatever tough times or difficult circumstances we are going through now, may we have the faith of Jairus and the woman with the haemorrhage: God will surely deliver us.
‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’2
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 16,17; Psalm 73
Pray for Scripture Union
This week’s prayers all relate to this article.
Pray that God will give churches the discernment to recognise what their key values and assets are – these things have not changed in spite of lockdown.
