Mark 5: 21-24, 35-43

Interpretation:

In Mark 5: 25-34, we see Jesus’ journey to Jarius’ house interrupted by the girl who touched Jesus’ cloak. Verse 35-43 show’s Jesus’ journey to Jarius’ house.  While they were still talking to the girl who touched Jesus’ cloak some people came from Jarius’ house. They tell Jarius’ his daughter is dead.

Let’s stay in context, Jarius is probably pretty worked up right here. Jesus tells the group in verse 36 ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ This is the same thing Jesus said on the boat to His disciples in Mark 4:40 ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ Except the words are less harsh.

Jesus then takes His three closest companions and apostles (Peter, James, and John) along with Jarius to Jarius’ home. They move everyone outside and Jesus returns Jarius’ from death to life. A miracle set apart from the others He’s been working. Supreme authority over nature in the sea and now superiority over death and life.

Rewind to verse 35. The people who come to share the news of his daughter’s death ask Jarius ‘Why trouble the Teacher any further?’ because the matter was said and done. She was dead. Jesus, however, pulled together His closest disciples with Jarius and said ‘Don’t be afraid. I’ll take care of it – don’t you believe I can handle this?’

And He does handle it. She is resurrected from death to life.

Application:

We tend to give God a lot of credit for working in our lives but I think we tend to inwardly disbelieve it’s actually Him working or doubt His ability or willingness to do so. Have you ever been surprised that God has provided for you?

These people that come to Jarius’ home don’t necessarily doubt Jesus. They recognize Him as a teacher, a rabbi, but they don’t recognize how powerful He really is. I have no problem recognizing God for who He is, a mighty and all powerful creator, savior, and ruler above everything we know. Despite this knowledge I am still  surprised when He takes care of me. Things I think that would never happen – do happen.  Why don’t we remember God’s greatness when horror fills our lives? He is in control. Nothing has changed. Except us.

Consider this passage an equation: The more you believe the less fear you have.

In this example, Jesus has power over death. If Jesus raised someone from the dead, what can’t He do in your life?

Disclaimer: This does not mean that if you are faithful your life will be without discomfort. You’ll still lose a job when you need it most, you’ll still lose someone you love dearly, and you’ll still need something you don’t have. But your belief in God’s ability to change your situation glorifies God and reminds you that you live only for that glory. If you recognize and glorify God for being supreme in all circumstances you will not fear because your situation, your life, and the people you love lives’ are in the hands of a good and supreme commander who can change those situations at any moment.

Jarius saw and believed. Will you?