Mark 5:21-24, 35-43 (NRSV)
Read Mark 5:21-24, 35-43 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Verse 22Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet Verse 23and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live."
Verse 24So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him.
Verse 35While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" Verse 36But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." Verse 37He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. Verse 38When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. Verse 39When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." Verse 40And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. Verse 41He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" Verse 42And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. Verse 43He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Devotion
A friend’s sister’s cancer has spread. The prognosis is not good, yet the doctors still hold out hope in the form of experimental medication. She will take it because she has nothing—and everything—to lose. Sometimes faith is born out of desperation, and yet it is all that God needs to work miracles. Jairus found this out. He was a leader in the synagogue, an upholder of the laws of Judaism. He was also a desperate man. By Jewish law, Jesus was breaking rules left and right. Yet the miracles he performed and the lessons he gave spoke to Jairus. He knew Jesus was his daughter’s—and his—last chance for salvation. He was right.
Prayer
Miraculous God, we see around us the desperation of people trying to cope with the uncertainties of life. We feel it ourselves. Make us instruments of your peace. Amen.