August 15, 2015
Scripture Reading: Mark 5:21-24, 35-42
21When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24So Jesus went with him.
35While 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?”
36Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
37He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.”40But 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. 41He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!”(which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.
Questions for Reflection:
At the beginning of the narrative, what does Jairus ask Jesus to do? How did he approach Jesus? What was his attitude and position? Jesus immediately responds and starts to go with Jesus, but he is interupted. In the time that Jesus spent helping another person, Jairus receives word that his daughter has died. What emotions do you believe he felt in that moment? What does Jesus say to him in that moment? How hard would it have been for you to trust Jesus in that moment? Why do you think Jesus cleared out the room of everyone except for the girl’s parents and his disciples? What did Jesus do once the room was emptied?
As a parent you will face difficult days. Your children may not die, but your soul may feel just as burdened for them as they struggle through life. Follow Jairus’ example and trust Jesus to bring your child out on the other side whole and healed. “Do not be afraid; just believe.”