Healing An Issue Of Blood -- Healing The Ruler's Daughter
Preaching
Preaching The Miracles
Series III, Cycle B
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and 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." So he went with him.
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, 'Who touched me?' " He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."
While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And 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. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Background Material
Jesus' performance of miracles was now assuming a rapid pace. Great crowds now came to meet him wherever he went, and they brought with them their sick and lame to have the Master apply his healing powers. Here Jesus sets out, in response to a plea from one of the rulers of the synagogue, who asks him to come to his home to heal a sick daughter; on the way, still another miracle comes to pass. The interruption was unusual. A miracle was performed without a request. A woman who had suffered for years had some kind of bleeding problem. Without asking anything of Christ, she simply got up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. She had suffered long and found no cure, and had spent all her money on a string of physicians. But she believed her long quest for healing would come to an end if she simply touched Christ's garment. And by doing so, she was healed. Apparently she was one of the thousands of people who had heard of Jesus and his miraculous cures. Legend has it that she traveled a considerable distance to receive a cure. This would show how great a distance the fame of Christ had spread. But she had reached the point of feeling there was no hope for her, having been to many doctors without a beneficial result. Upon hearing of Christ, she regained her hope and had confidence that he could heal her. So she made the journey to where he was.
Perhaps she was bashful, or had such a profound appreciation of Christ's divinity, but something kept her from having the courage to face Christ. But so strong was her confidence in him that she reasoned that it would be enough simply to touch Christ's robe. So when she joined the throng surrounding him, she worked her way up through the crowd to a spot directly behind the Master. Then in great faith she reached out and touched his garment. Instantly a power flowed from him into her body, and she was at last cured of her ailment.
Jesus felt the healing power flow from him and turned around. Why he would ask who touched him is a matter of conjecture. Perhaps he wanted to direct the attention of many to what had just happened. But his question baffled the disciples, for they thought it was not at all unlikely that many had pressed up against him in the crowd. His question made the healed woman realize that Christ knew what had happened, so she came forth, with fear and trembling, not knowing whether or not she was to be rebuked for her action. But Jesus did not scold; instead he pronounced a blessing, telling the woman that her faith had made her whole.
This whole episode was an interlude in Christ's response to Jairus' request to come to his house and heal his sick daughter. If the delay in doing so, caused by the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, had previously been considered trivial, it now took on enormous proportions. For the news came from Jairus' home, spoken in blunt language, "Your daughter is dead." This must have caused some to be critical of Christ, saying in their hearts, "You have delayed too long." They even said, "Don't trouble the teacher any further." What a blow that news was. But it did not perturb Jesus. He simply ignored their acceptance of death and told Jairus not to worry, but to continue to have faith.
Jesus sensed that many in the crowd around him were there merely from curiosity, and he had no desire to have the miracles detract from his message about the kingdom of God. So he wanted to get away from the gawkers and be alone with his disciples. So taking with him only Peter, James, and John, he accompanied Jairus to his home. What he saw at the home, however, was appalling. News of the death had spread, and friends and neighbors in great numbers had come together to join in the sorrowing. Jesus approached them and as much as asked them, "What is all this noise and commotion about? There is no death here. The young lady is not dead, only sleeping." This led to open contempt toward the Lord, and they scoffed at him and showed him their scorn. How often "little" people satisfy their egos by scoffing at those who are greater than they. It costs them nothing to do so, and takes little effort. Still one is appalled to think that some people were so crude and rude as to scoff at the Son of God. But this did not deter Jesus from carrying out his intentions. He emptied the house of the crowd, except for the immediate family. Then he took the hand of the dead girl and spoke to her, asking her to get up. When she returned quickly to life and obeyed the command of Christ, those who were present were absolutely stunned. We are all so helpless in the face of death. Yet here was one who obviously held complete power and authority over this enemy of all humankind. They were asked, however, not to go around telling people of this miracle. This was in line with what had been stated previously: Christ did not want to attract a large number of gawkers who were not interested in his spiritual message.
Sermon Material
Jesus Helps Where Others Fail
The woman with the issue of blood had been suffering for twelve years. Throughout that time she had gone to many doctors, one after another, but not one of them could heal her. We all know of people today who go from doctor to doctor, seeking a cure for their ailment, but receiving little, if any, help. No doubt each doctor she had visited prescribed one of the odd treatments which were recommended in those days. Perhaps they recommended stringents and salves, which proved futile. Some could even have been outlandish, playing upon superstition. For instance, the Talmud, we are told, offers the advice of carrying in a cloth the ashes of an ostrich egg. Giving her attempts at a cure one more try, she traveled to where Christ was, for she had heard of his unusual healing powers.
While she had faith in Christ's abilities, she was also aware of his greatness and reputation. Perhaps she was bashful or lacking in self-regard. At any rate, she did not approach Christ directly but decided it would be enough simply to touch his garment. Joining the crowd following Christ, she worked her way up to a position directly behind him. When the opportunity arose she reached out her hand and touched the Lord, and instantly her long-time search for a cure was answered. She was made whole.
As we make our way through life on earth there are many things which weigh us down. We are troubled about our finances. We have health concerns. We meet up with disappointments and defeats. There are discouragements along the way. One has to wonder how some people think they can overcome all these negatives alone. Christ, who can be of immense help, offers to come to us with his aid. "Come unto me," he pleads, as he is often passed by. But he stands ready to hear our prayers, our calls for help. He is eager to lift our burdens, to forgive our sins, to give us his companionship as we meet the troubles of life. It is good if we finally go to Christ in the end. But why should we delay and make him the final hope? Why should we not practice the presence of Christ and receive his blessings throughout our lifetime?
The Need For Faith
The woman with the issue of blood had faith in Christ. She is described as saying, "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well." And Christ's response emphasizes the importance of faith, for he says, "Daughter, your faith has made you well." Many times in performing a miracle, Christ stressed the element of faith. When Christ was followed by two blind men seeking a cure, he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" And in healing them he declared, "According to your faith, be it done unto you."
Christ's Many Miracles
By counting the miracles performed by Christ as recounted in the four Gospels, one reaches the count of 35. This is a very large number, but it is far from the grand total. Many more were reported elsewhere. And as one Gospel writer declares: "If all the marvelous works of Christ were told, the world could not hold all the books." His lifetime on earth was short, but he went around doing good, and the sum total of his great deeds is overwhelming.
Prejudice
The man who came to Jesus on behalf of his daughter was a deeply committed Jew. He was a leader of the local synagogue, chosen because of his unquestioned Jewish faith and loyalty. On the other hand, Christ was one whom devout Jews hated because he represented, so they thought, a threat to their religious practices and devotion. He was held to be one whom an orthodox Jew should avoid because he was a rank outsider, even a heretic. But if the ruler of the synagogue held any prejudice toward Christ, he suppressed it and sought the help of Christ.
How often prejudice cuts us off from the full utilization and enjoyment of life. It is so restrictive. In contrast to the confining power of prejudice, a good life offers much variety. It can be like a flower garden in which flowers of different colors grow side by side, each adding to the total beauty. Christ brushed aside all prejudice based on race by saying that all humans are of one blood.
Prejudice can cut us off from many privileges in life. It can deny us rich friendships with those of another color or social status. If the president of the synagogue had let prejudice for another religion rule him, he would not have come to Christ and his daughter would not have been healed and restored to life.
Prejudice is a judgment reached before the facts are known. It is a verdict reached even before the evidence is considered. It is blind!
"They Laughed At Him"
This incident shows how easily our scorn can be misdirected. To think that people would laugh at Christ. How mistaken they were. We should avoid being scornful, as it is usually based on ignorance. The scoffers did not realize that the man at whom they were laughing was the Christ, the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. We can so easily reveal our own ignorance when we adopt a scornful attitude.
Because of their scorn and lack of faith, Jesus was not able to perform many miracles in his hometown of Nazareth. Elsewhere he could restore sight to the blind, heal the sick, raise the dead, and be widely acclaimed. But here in the house of the ruler of the synagogue the people laughed and rejected him. When this type of action takes place, who is the loser? Surely those who take "offense at him" and reject him with laughter and scorn.
Their lack of confidence in the supernatural powers of Christ sprang from their familiarity about Christ and his parents. They knew his carpenter father and had seen Jesus growing up. There is a lesson here. We must not let our familiarity lead us to overlook the talented youth in our midst. Jesus declared, "A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country." The young people around us will be assuming positions of responsibility in tomorrow's world. They are the future doctors, lawyers, teachers, writers, and political successes. To gain for them the necessary self-confidence, we must contemplate their future accomplishments and show them our respect. It is essential to avoid making judgments based on external qualities rather than on native worth.
It is also true that we must not get laughed out of our religious convictions, but remain loyal to Christ in spite of any scoffers who would try to ridicule us.
Life After Death
Death is humanity's greatest foe. It is a serious threat because it is unavoidable. Sooner or later everyone now living will have to undergo the termination of earthly life. Because of this, an answer to death is eagerly sought. Does it really end all, or is our existence a continuing one beyond the grave?
Christ brought many blessings through his teachings and life on earth, but the greatest gift which he offers is that of eternal life. He creates and strengthens our belief in eternity. During his ministry he claimed to have power over death, and on three occasions he proved it. This miracle, performed on the daughter of Jairus, is one of them. It verifies the statement of Christ, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, shall yet live." His own resurrection was the crowning proof of his authority over death. Christ died on a cross, before many witnesses. To make sure of his demise, the Roman soldier thrust a spear into his side. He was buried in a tomb. But three days later he came back to life on earth, to be seen by scores of people. To the disciple who doubted his return, he gave undeniable proof that it was so. Christianity has so much to offer, but its most highly prized gift is the assurance of eternal life. The miracle of raising the daughter of Jairus from the dead substantiates our confidence in Christ, the Lord of Life.
Pride
Everyone has heard the axiom, "Pride goes before a fall." One of the demands of Christianity is the willingness to pray, "God have mercy on me, a sinner." The Bible warns us against thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. It pictures us honestly as sinners in need of a savior.
The ruler of the synagogue would have been a man deeply satisfied with, if not actually proud of, his distinguished position of distinction. Great power and influence came with his title. Therefore, it was certainly demanding for him to seek a favor from Christ. Yet because he refused to be ruled by pride, he found the help his sick daughter so desperately needed. This is a lesson for all of us. We need to accept the spirit of the hymn which describes us in the phrase, "that saves a wretch like me."
What We Miss Through Indifference To Christ
Those who scoffed at Christ were asked to leave and could not be present when the miracle was performed. They could see the result, and they did not witness the remarkable act. We, too, lose great advantages by indifference to or rejection of Christ. A few:
1. the companionship of the Divine
2. the conviction and assurance of eternal life
3. the guidance and inspiration of Christ's life and teachings
4. the comfort which Christ can bring in time of sorrow
5. the inspiration to live at the highest level
6. the joy of knowing that we are loved
7. the many resources of prayer
8. the blessedness of hope, produced by faith
And how many more advantages?
Illustrations
Death
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you would die? Several years ago a veteran missionary was in a plane that was circling over Detroit and unable to land because of fog. As the plane's fuel ran low and the danger of a crash landing became more apparent, the missionary got out paper and pencil and jotted down his last will and testament. He wrote: "There is peace, perfect peace in my heart and soul. Life with Christ is the way to live. Now in this hour there is assurance that God is underneath all the uncertainties of human experience. So I rest in God."
We must all face the possibility of death. It is certain. Have we found the way to face this prospect peacefully?
Seek A Total Life
Some people die completely. Their lives are over. They are buried. But others who appear to be alive are only partly so. While they still have physical life, they are dead to so much that is vital in this world.
My wife and I were strolling through the halls of a great museum in Europe. Someone had let two stray dogs into the building and they were roaming around. We conjectured how they lacked entirely the ability to appreciate the marvelous works of art hanging on the walls. Not only are dogs "dead" to the world of fine paintings, but they are dead to great music, to the world of science, of religion, even of human realities. We human beings can be "dead" to so much, or we can take advantage of our endless opportunities to explore new worlds. Like the young girl restored to life by Christ, we can be awakened, by him, to so much that is truly wonderful in life. Christ came to bring us abundant living. That means life to the full, life with a capital L.
Your God Is Too Small
The woman with the issue of blood was filled with faith. She really believed that by simply touching the hem of Christ's garment a miracle could be effected. She is an example to us of great faith, and how it is rewarded.
We may be committed and praying Christians, but do we think large enough thoughts about God? Do we really believe that God can do anything? A book has been written with the startling title, Your God Is Too Small. That title is a wake-up challenge to all of us. If we believe in an all-powerful God, it should be reflected in the confidence with which we turn to God in prayer. "Ask and you shall receive," Jesus urged. Yet we often wonder whether or not God can really help us. Wake up to the power which God possesses, power he has promised to use on our behalf.
A Father's Love
Jairus represents a father's love for his children. He was a devout Jew, the leader of his synagogue, and Jesus was considered a religious outcast. But Jairus did not hesitate to seek out Christ and implore his help for his dying daughter. He would do anything to save her life.
Recently the newspapers carried an account of a fire that destroyed a home. The father woke up to a smoke-filled house and hurried his family to safety. But while standing in his front yard he realized that one child was missing and apparently was still in the burning home. It was very dangerous to reenter the flaming building and firemen tried to dissuade him from going back into the home. But he went anyway and was badly burned, he did rescue his son. When asked about his actions, the father said he would rather die than live and know that he had not attempted to save his little son.
God is our Father and his love for us is very great. He was willing to make the great sacrifice of his only begotten Son in order to save the world, to save you and me. How thankful we should be that we have a heavenly Father who knows us, loves us, and watches over us. Even death cannot separate us from his love. Christ, with his heavenly power, brought back to life the daughter of Jairus. God will bring us safely through the valley of the shadow of death, into the kingdom of everlasting life.
The Healing Power Of Faith
The woman with the issue of blood had faith that by contact with Christ she could be cured. All around us in daily life are examples of people who, by faith, are overcoming life's difficulties.
A telephone linesman was up a pole when the pole, which was held in place only by wire stays, fell over him and he was dashed to the ground. His insides were badly crushed and as he was rushed to the hospital there was little hope that he could survive. A pastor learned of the accident when the man's wife called from the hospital. She said that the very best surgeons in the community had operated but found that he was beyond repair and they had given up all hope. She had been informed that her husband would die within the hour. She asked the pastor to hurry to the hospital to baptize her husband before he died. The pastor entered the sickroom to find a patient with the color of death, too weak to speak. Quickly the pastor explained that God loved the patient. In a few words he explained that baptism makes one a child of God whose sins are forgiven through Christ's death on the cross. Then he asked the patient if he wished to be baptized. The man was too weak to do more than slightly shake his head in consent. After the baptism the pastor asked the wife again if two of the best doctors in the community had declared that the man would die within the hour. The answer was yes. As the pastor left he asked the wife to call him when death came. The pastor got no call that day, nor through the following night. So the next morning he called the wife, who told him that her husband was still alive and some of his color had returned. He fell asleep after the pastor's visit, something he had not done since the accident, and he even ate some food for the first time. The man recovered completely and in a few months was once again climbing telephone poles. All medical help had proven of no avail, but evidently the introduction of faith, and the spiritual dimension, had caused the man to rally. It has been well said, that "more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."
Reach Out
The woman with the issue of blood was healed because she reached out to Christ, reached to touch his garment. We, too, can reach out to Christ and as a result receive innumerable blessings. In fact, throughout our life there are so many things that we can possess if we only reach out to secure them. Many of the greatest names in history would have remained unknown if they had failed to reach out when opportunity presented itself. Examples of this include William Shakespeare, who was the son of a bankrupt butcher and a mother who could not even spell her own name. The great musician, Beethoven, was not born to international acclaim, for his father was a well-known drunkard and his mother was a sickly person, afflicted with tuberculosis. Michael Faraday was born over a stable where his father carried on the trade of a blacksmith, and his mother earned some money in the drudgery of a cleaning woman. With only a second grade education Michael Faraday became one of the most productive and famous scientists of all time. His discoveries in the field of electricity are considered the basis for all progress in that important area of human knowledge.
We have so much within reach if we only seek it. This is especially true when one reaches out to accept the offer of abundant living which Christ offers to everyone.
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, 'Who touched me?' " He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."
While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And 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. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Background Material
Jesus' performance of miracles was now assuming a rapid pace. Great crowds now came to meet him wherever he went, and they brought with them their sick and lame to have the Master apply his healing powers. Here Jesus sets out, in response to a plea from one of the rulers of the synagogue, who asks him to come to his home to heal a sick daughter; on the way, still another miracle comes to pass. The interruption was unusual. A miracle was performed without a request. A woman who had suffered for years had some kind of bleeding problem. Without asking anything of Christ, she simply got up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. She had suffered long and found no cure, and had spent all her money on a string of physicians. But she believed her long quest for healing would come to an end if she simply touched Christ's garment. And by doing so, she was healed. Apparently she was one of the thousands of people who had heard of Jesus and his miraculous cures. Legend has it that she traveled a considerable distance to receive a cure. This would show how great a distance the fame of Christ had spread. But she had reached the point of feeling there was no hope for her, having been to many doctors without a beneficial result. Upon hearing of Christ, she regained her hope and had confidence that he could heal her. So she made the journey to where he was.
Perhaps she was bashful, or had such a profound appreciation of Christ's divinity, but something kept her from having the courage to face Christ. But so strong was her confidence in him that she reasoned that it would be enough simply to touch Christ's robe. So when she joined the throng surrounding him, she worked her way up through the crowd to a spot directly behind the Master. Then in great faith she reached out and touched his garment. Instantly a power flowed from him into her body, and she was at last cured of her ailment.
Jesus felt the healing power flow from him and turned around. Why he would ask who touched him is a matter of conjecture. Perhaps he wanted to direct the attention of many to what had just happened. But his question baffled the disciples, for they thought it was not at all unlikely that many had pressed up against him in the crowd. His question made the healed woman realize that Christ knew what had happened, so she came forth, with fear and trembling, not knowing whether or not she was to be rebuked for her action. But Jesus did not scold; instead he pronounced a blessing, telling the woman that her faith had made her whole.
This whole episode was an interlude in Christ's response to Jairus' request to come to his house and heal his sick daughter. If the delay in doing so, caused by the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, had previously been considered trivial, it now took on enormous proportions. For the news came from Jairus' home, spoken in blunt language, "Your daughter is dead." This must have caused some to be critical of Christ, saying in their hearts, "You have delayed too long." They even said, "Don't trouble the teacher any further." What a blow that news was. But it did not perturb Jesus. He simply ignored their acceptance of death and told Jairus not to worry, but to continue to have faith.
Jesus sensed that many in the crowd around him were there merely from curiosity, and he had no desire to have the miracles detract from his message about the kingdom of God. So he wanted to get away from the gawkers and be alone with his disciples. So taking with him only Peter, James, and John, he accompanied Jairus to his home. What he saw at the home, however, was appalling. News of the death had spread, and friends and neighbors in great numbers had come together to join in the sorrowing. Jesus approached them and as much as asked them, "What is all this noise and commotion about? There is no death here. The young lady is not dead, only sleeping." This led to open contempt toward the Lord, and they scoffed at him and showed him their scorn. How often "little" people satisfy their egos by scoffing at those who are greater than they. It costs them nothing to do so, and takes little effort. Still one is appalled to think that some people were so crude and rude as to scoff at the Son of God. But this did not deter Jesus from carrying out his intentions. He emptied the house of the crowd, except for the immediate family. Then he took the hand of the dead girl and spoke to her, asking her to get up. When she returned quickly to life and obeyed the command of Christ, those who were present were absolutely stunned. We are all so helpless in the face of death. Yet here was one who obviously held complete power and authority over this enemy of all humankind. They were asked, however, not to go around telling people of this miracle. This was in line with what had been stated previously: Christ did not want to attract a large number of gawkers who were not interested in his spiritual message.
Sermon Material
Jesus Helps Where Others Fail
The woman with the issue of blood had been suffering for twelve years. Throughout that time she had gone to many doctors, one after another, but not one of them could heal her. We all know of people today who go from doctor to doctor, seeking a cure for their ailment, but receiving little, if any, help. No doubt each doctor she had visited prescribed one of the odd treatments which were recommended in those days. Perhaps they recommended stringents and salves, which proved futile. Some could even have been outlandish, playing upon superstition. For instance, the Talmud, we are told, offers the advice of carrying in a cloth the ashes of an ostrich egg. Giving her attempts at a cure one more try, she traveled to where Christ was, for she had heard of his unusual healing powers.
While she had faith in Christ's abilities, she was also aware of his greatness and reputation. Perhaps she was bashful or lacking in self-regard. At any rate, she did not approach Christ directly but decided it would be enough simply to touch his garment. Joining the crowd following Christ, she worked her way up to a position directly behind him. When the opportunity arose she reached out her hand and touched the Lord, and instantly her long-time search for a cure was answered. She was made whole.
As we make our way through life on earth there are many things which weigh us down. We are troubled about our finances. We have health concerns. We meet up with disappointments and defeats. There are discouragements along the way. One has to wonder how some people think they can overcome all these negatives alone. Christ, who can be of immense help, offers to come to us with his aid. "Come unto me," he pleads, as he is often passed by. But he stands ready to hear our prayers, our calls for help. He is eager to lift our burdens, to forgive our sins, to give us his companionship as we meet the troubles of life. It is good if we finally go to Christ in the end. But why should we delay and make him the final hope? Why should we not practice the presence of Christ and receive his blessings throughout our lifetime?
The Need For Faith
The woman with the issue of blood had faith in Christ. She is described as saying, "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well." And Christ's response emphasizes the importance of faith, for he says, "Daughter, your faith has made you well." Many times in performing a miracle, Christ stressed the element of faith. When Christ was followed by two blind men seeking a cure, he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" And in healing them he declared, "According to your faith, be it done unto you."
Christ's Many Miracles
By counting the miracles performed by Christ as recounted in the four Gospels, one reaches the count of 35. This is a very large number, but it is far from the grand total. Many more were reported elsewhere. And as one Gospel writer declares: "If all the marvelous works of Christ were told, the world could not hold all the books." His lifetime on earth was short, but he went around doing good, and the sum total of his great deeds is overwhelming.
Prejudice
The man who came to Jesus on behalf of his daughter was a deeply committed Jew. He was a leader of the local synagogue, chosen because of his unquestioned Jewish faith and loyalty. On the other hand, Christ was one whom devout Jews hated because he represented, so they thought, a threat to their religious practices and devotion. He was held to be one whom an orthodox Jew should avoid because he was a rank outsider, even a heretic. But if the ruler of the synagogue held any prejudice toward Christ, he suppressed it and sought the help of Christ.
How often prejudice cuts us off from the full utilization and enjoyment of life. It is so restrictive. In contrast to the confining power of prejudice, a good life offers much variety. It can be like a flower garden in which flowers of different colors grow side by side, each adding to the total beauty. Christ brushed aside all prejudice based on race by saying that all humans are of one blood.
Prejudice can cut us off from many privileges in life. It can deny us rich friendships with those of another color or social status. If the president of the synagogue had let prejudice for another religion rule him, he would not have come to Christ and his daughter would not have been healed and restored to life.
Prejudice is a judgment reached before the facts are known. It is a verdict reached even before the evidence is considered. It is blind!
"They Laughed At Him"
This incident shows how easily our scorn can be misdirected. To think that people would laugh at Christ. How mistaken they were. We should avoid being scornful, as it is usually based on ignorance. The scoffers did not realize that the man at whom they were laughing was the Christ, the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. We can so easily reveal our own ignorance when we adopt a scornful attitude.
Because of their scorn and lack of faith, Jesus was not able to perform many miracles in his hometown of Nazareth. Elsewhere he could restore sight to the blind, heal the sick, raise the dead, and be widely acclaimed. But here in the house of the ruler of the synagogue the people laughed and rejected him. When this type of action takes place, who is the loser? Surely those who take "offense at him" and reject him with laughter and scorn.
Their lack of confidence in the supernatural powers of Christ sprang from their familiarity about Christ and his parents. They knew his carpenter father and had seen Jesus growing up. There is a lesson here. We must not let our familiarity lead us to overlook the talented youth in our midst. Jesus declared, "A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country." The young people around us will be assuming positions of responsibility in tomorrow's world. They are the future doctors, lawyers, teachers, writers, and political successes. To gain for them the necessary self-confidence, we must contemplate their future accomplishments and show them our respect. It is essential to avoid making judgments based on external qualities rather than on native worth.
It is also true that we must not get laughed out of our religious convictions, but remain loyal to Christ in spite of any scoffers who would try to ridicule us.
Life After Death
Death is humanity's greatest foe. It is a serious threat because it is unavoidable. Sooner or later everyone now living will have to undergo the termination of earthly life. Because of this, an answer to death is eagerly sought. Does it really end all, or is our existence a continuing one beyond the grave?
Christ brought many blessings through his teachings and life on earth, but the greatest gift which he offers is that of eternal life. He creates and strengthens our belief in eternity. During his ministry he claimed to have power over death, and on three occasions he proved it. This miracle, performed on the daughter of Jairus, is one of them. It verifies the statement of Christ, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, shall yet live." His own resurrection was the crowning proof of his authority over death. Christ died on a cross, before many witnesses. To make sure of his demise, the Roman soldier thrust a spear into his side. He was buried in a tomb. But three days later he came back to life on earth, to be seen by scores of people. To the disciple who doubted his return, he gave undeniable proof that it was so. Christianity has so much to offer, but its most highly prized gift is the assurance of eternal life. The miracle of raising the daughter of Jairus from the dead substantiates our confidence in Christ, the Lord of Life.
Pride
Everyone has heard the axiom, "Pride goes before a fall." One of the demands of Christianity is the willingness to pray, "God have mercy on me, a sinner." The Bible warns us against thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. It pictures us honestly as sinners in need of a savior.
The ruler of the synagogue would have been a man deeply satisfied with, if not actually proud of, his distinguished position of distinction. Great power and influence came with his title. Therefore, it was certainly demanding for him to seek a favor from Christ. Yet because he refused to be ruled by pride, he found the help his sick daughter so desperately needed. This is a lesson for all of us. We need to accept the spirit of the hymn which describes us in the phrase, "that saves a wretch like me."
What We Miss Through Indifference To Christ
Those who scoffed at Christ were asked to leave and could not be present when the miracle was performed. They could see the result, and they did not witness the remarkable act. We, too, lose great advantages by indifference to or rejection of Christ. A few:
1. the companionship of the Divine
2. the conviction and assurance of eternal life
3. the guidance and inspiration of Christ's life and teachings
4. the comfort which Christ can bring in time of sorrow
5. the inspiration to live at the highest level
6. the joy of knowing that we are loved
7. the many resources of prayer
8. the blessedness of hope, produced by faith
And how many more advantages?
Illustrations
Death
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you would die? Several years ago a veteran missionary was in a plane that was circling over Detroit and unable to land because of fog. As the plane's fuel ran low and the danger of a crash landing became more apparent, the missionary got out paper and pencil and jotted down his last will and testament. He wrote: "There is peace, perfect peace in my heart and soul. Life with Christ is the way to live. Now in this hour there is assurance that God is underneath all the uncertainties of human experience. So I rest in God."
We must all face the possibility of death. It is certain. Have we found the way to face this prospect peacefully?
Seek A Total Life
Some people die completely. Their lives are over. They are buried. But others who appear to be alive are only partly so. While they still have physical life, they are dead to so much that is vital in this world.
My wife and I were strolling through the halls of a great museum in Europe. Someone had let two stray dogs into the building and they were roaming around. We conjectured how they lacked entirely the ability to appreciate the marvelous works of art hanging on the walls. Not only are dogs "dead" to the world of fine paintings, but they are dead to great music, to the world of science, of religion, even of human realities. We human beings can be "dead" to so much, or we can take advantage of our endless opportunities to explore new worlds. Like the young girl restored to life by Christ, we can be awakened, by him, to so much that is truly wonderful in life. Christ came to bring us abundant living. That means life to the full, life with a capital L.
Your God Is Too Small
The woman with the issue of blood was filled with faith. She really believed that by simply touching the hem of Christ's garment a miracle could be effected. She is an example to us of great faith, and how it is rewarded.
We may be committed and praying Christians, but do we think large enough thoughts about God? Do we really believe that God can do anything? A book has been written with the startling title, Your God Is Too Small. That title is a wake-up challenge to all of us. If we believe in an all-powerful God, it should be reflected in the confidence with which we turn to God in prayer. "Ask and you shall receive," Jesus urged. Yet we often wonder whether or not God can really help us. Wake up to the power which God possesses, power he has promised to use on our behalf.
A Father's Love
Jairus represents a father's love for his children. He was a devout Jew, the leader of his synagogue, and Jesus was considered a religious outcast. But Jairus did not hesitate to seek out Christ and implore his help for his dying daughter. He would do anything to save her life.
Recently the newspapers carried an account of a fire that destroyed a home. The father woke up to a smoke-filled house and hurried his family to safety. But while standing in his front yard he realized that one child was missing and apparently was still in the burning home. It was very dangerous to reenter the flaming building and firemen tried to dissuade him from going back into the home. But he went anyway and was badly burned, he did rescue his son. When asked about his actions, the father said he would rather die than live and know that he had not attempted to save his little son.
God is our Father and his love for us is very great. He was willing to make the great sacrifice of his only begotten Son in order to save the world, to save you and me. How thankful we should be that we have a heavenly Father who knows us, loves us, and watches over us. Even death cannot separate us from his love. Christ, with his heavenly power, brought back to life the daughter of Jairus. God will bring us safely through the valley of the shadow of death, into the kingdom of everlasting life.
The Healing Power Of Faith
The woman with the issue of blood had faith that by contact with Christ she could be cured. All around us in daily life are examples of people who, by faith, are overcoming life's difficulties.
A telephone linesman was up a pole when the pole, which was held in place only by wire stays, fell over him and he was dashed to the ground. His insides were badly crushed and as he was rushed to the hospital there was little hope that he could survive. A pastor learned of the accident when the man's wife called from the hospital. She said that the very best surgeons in the community had operated but found that he was beyond repair and they had given up all hope. She had been informed that her husband would die within the hour. She asked the pastor to hurry to the hospital to baptize her husband before he died. The pastor entered the sickroom to find a patient with the color of death, too weak to speak. Quickly the pastor explained that God loved the patient. In a few words he explained that baptism makes one a child of God whose sins are forgiven through Christ's death on the cross. Then he asked the patient if he wished to be baptized. The man was too weak to do more than slightly shake his head in consent. After the baptism the pastor asked the wife again if two of the best doctors in the community had declared that the man would die within the hour. The answer was yes. As the pastor left he asked the wife to call him when death came. The pastor got no call that day, nor through the following night. So the next morning he called the wife, who told him that her husband was still alive and some of his color had returned. He fell asleep after the pastor's visit, something he had not done since the accident, and he even ate some food for the first time. The man recovered completely and in a few months was once again climbing telephone poles. All medical help had proven of no avail, but evidently the introduction of faith, and the spiritual dimension, had caused the man to rally. It has been well said, that "more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."
Reach Out
The woman with the issue of blood was healed because she reached out to Christ, reached to touch his garment. We, too, can reach out to Christ and as a result receive innumerable blessings. In fact, throughout our life there are so many things that we can possess if we only reach out to secure them. Many of the greatest names in history would have remained unknown if they had failed to reach out when opportunity presented itself. Examples of this include William Shakespeare, who was the son of a bankrupt butcher and a mother who could not even spell her own name. The great musician, Beethoven, was not born to international acclaim, for his father was a well-known drunkard and his mother was a sickly person, afflicted with tuberculosis. Michael Faraday was born over a stable where his father carried on the trade of a blacksmith, and his mother earned some money in the drudgery of a cleaning woman. With only a second grade education Michael Faraday became one of the most productive and famous scientists of all time. His discoveries in the field of electricity are considered the basis for all progress in that important area of human knowledge.
We have so much within reach if we only seek it. This is especially true when one reaches out to accept the offer of abundant living which Christ offers to everyone.
