FROM ENEMY TO BELIEVER
Luke 5:21-43
Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue. This officially made him an enemy of Jesus. I say “officially” because the Sanhedrin had sent their “official” investigative squad up to Capernaum to see what was going on with this Jesus, this healer, this caster out of demons. These “official” religion detectives observed what was happening and they said, He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons (Mark 3:22). So, since the “official” verdict was given, all synagogue officers were “officially” enemies of Jesus. Jerusalem had spoken. Jesus was “officially” demon-possessed and therefore an outcast. Jairus could have nothing to do with him or he too would become a “sinner” and an outcast.
But Jairus had a precious little daughter who was lying at home dying. He had done everything he could for her. Being a ruler of the synagogue, Jairus was a man of means. He could have taken her to any doctor or all of the doctors. None of them could help her. So now his dear little girl was terminally ill and waiting only to die.
Jairus had seen Jesus do miracles. Jesus had cast an evil spirit out of a man right in his own synagogue (Luke 4). Many of Jairus’ acquaintances and neighbors had been healed by Jesus of all kinds of diseases and handicaps. Jairus knew beyond a doubt that Jesus was able to heal. The religion detectives had declared him demon-possessed. What was more important to him? His position as a synagogue ruler or his darling little girl? If he went to Jesus he would become persona non grata with the religious mafia in Jerusalem. If he didn’t go to Jesus his daughter would die. The decision was made. When Jairus saw that Jesus’ boat had landed down at the lake he followed the crowd down to meet Jesus and fell on his knees in front of him.
Jesus agreed to go to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter. As they walked the woman who had a twelve-year bleeding issue touched Jesus and brought the whole procession to a screeching halt. (I’ve always wondered about the fact that Jairus’ daughter was twelve years old and the woman had a twelve-year condition!) The stop must have been murder for poor Jairus. He was already in way over his head and he was an important man, a man who was accustomed to having things go his way. I can almost see him standing there waiting for Jesus, wringing his hands, and shifting his weight back and forth from one foot to the other! He’s thinking, “Come on, Jesus! Let’s get going! My daughter is really sick!”
Before they were able to get started again some people came from Jairus’ house with the awful news that his daughter had died. There was no longer any need for Jesus to come. But Jesus heard their words and said, Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed. We know the rest of the story. Jesus went to the house and threw out the mourners (literal Greek from Mark’s account) and raised the little girl from the dead.
An “official” enemy of Jesus came to believe. We know he believed because his daughter was raised. Jesus willingly ministered to those who had opposed him. He was gracious and merciful and forgave. He lived out his own preaching, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Can we do the same?
Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue. This officially made him an enemy of Jesus. I say “officially” because the Sanhedrin had sent their “official” investigative squad up to Capernaum to see what was going on with this Jesus, this healer, this caster out of demons. These “official” religion detectives observed what was happening and they said, He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons (Mark 3:22). So, since the “official” verdict was given, all synagogue officers were “officially” enemies of Jesus. Jerusalem had spoken. Jesus was “officially” demon-possessed and therefore an outcast. Jairus could have nothing to do with him or he too would become a “sinner” and an outcast.
But Jairus had a precious little daughter who was lying at home dying. He had done everything he could for her. Being a ruler of the synagogue, Jairus was a man of means. He could have taken her to any doctor or all of the doctors. None of them could help her. So now his dear little girl was terminally ill and waiting only to die.
Jairus had seen Jesus do miracles. Jesus had cast an evil spirit out of a man right in his own synagogue (Luke 4). Many of Jairus’ acquaintances and neighbors had been healed by Jesus of all kinds of diseases and handicaps. Jairus knew beyond a doubt that Jesus was able to heal. The religion detectives had declared him demon-possessed. What was more important to him? His position as a synagogue ruler or his darling little girl? If he went to Jesus he would become persona non grata with the religious mafia in Jerusalem. If he didn’t go to Jesus his daughter would die. The decision was made. When Jairus saw that Jesus’ boat had landed down at the lake he followed the crowd down to meet Jesus and fell on his knees in front of him.
Jesus agreed to go to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter. As they walked the woman who had a twelve-year bleeding issue touched Jesus and brought the whole procession to a screeching halt. (I’ve always wondered about the fact that Jairus’ daughter was twelve years old and the woman had a twelve-year condition!) The stop must have been murder for poor Jairus. He was already in way over his head and he was an important man, a man who was accustomed to having things go his way. I can almost see him standing there waiting for Jesus, wringing his hands, and shifting his weight back and forth from one foot to the other! He’s thinking, “Come on, Jesus! Let’s get going! My daughter is really sick!”
Before they were able to get started again some people came from Jairus’ house with the awful news that his daughter had died. There was no longer any need for Jesus to come. But Jesus heard their words and said, Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed. We know the rest of the story. Jesus went to the house and threw out the mourners (literal Greek from Mark’s account) and raised the little girl from the dead.
An “official” enemy of Jesus came to believe. We know he believed because his daughter was raised. Jesus willingly ministered to those who had opposed him. He was gracious and merciful and forgave. He lived out his own preaching, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Can we do the same?
posted by Shiloh Guy @ Thursday, July 02, 2009
5 comments
5 Comments:
I offer an apology to my good friends who visit this blog on any kind of a regular basis. I have been away too long and blame very busy days and too many late nights for my absence. I have been reading and composing blogs in my head but for some reason they haven't made their way to publication. But a lot of good that does you! I'm sorry and I wouldn't blame you for not coming back. (I'm covered in dust and ashes!)
I check back every few days. I'm just grateful that you are doing well and are able to keep blogging. I check on your blog a couple times each week.
your writing continues with the same effective blade as always, and your presence is missed. Personal hardship (Jarius) does cause a person to re-evaluate thier positions and perspectives. Seems thats a good thing.
Miss you Dave. Pat
We're happy for the posts when we can get 'em, but I certainly don't hold it against you if you get busy doing other things. Besides, we will have an eternity of fellowship, and that will more than make up for the wane in writing.
Thanks to all you guys, my good friends, for your kind words and understanding. I really appreciate you. You encourage my heart!
Post a Comment
<< Home