WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Meditate on Ephesians 3:20,21 for a few moments before you read further: ‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.’ Compassion It was no small thing for a synagogue ruler, part of the establishment, to humble himself and publicly ask Jesus for help in front of a large crowd (vs 22,23). But Jairus, like the woman we met yesterday, was desperate. This was a father willing to do anything for his little girl, no matter how much he lost face. No wonder Jesus had compassion for him. I wonder how the disciples reacted on hearing the news that the little girl was dead (v 35)? Did they start to turn around, thinking the journey was over? Just as with sickness, Jesus was not afraid of death, and with some words of reassurance for Jairus he forged ahead (v 36). Total authority How quickly the mourners changed to mockers (vs 39,40). Would you or I have been put off by the ridicule? Yet Jesus again displays total authority, ‘putting them all out’ of the house, before raising the girl from the dead, handing her back into the arms of for ever grateful parents. Where do you put yourself in this picture? Are you sceptical of Jesus’ ability and willingness to heal today, or are you reaching out to him, willing to look stupid in front of the crowd, risking praying for the sick? Respond: Will we be mournful mockers or faith-filled disciples? If God gives you the opportunity to pray for someone who is sick, will you trust him and take it? http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-06-20