Mark 5:22 And, behold, there comes one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, Faith was the one thing which Christ demanded of every suppliant who came to him. He asked the blind man the question, "Believest thou that I am able to do this?" He said to the father of the lunatic child," All things are possible to him that believeth.' Here he assured the woman in the crowd who had been healed, "Thy faith hath saved thee;" and to Jairus he said, "Be not afraid, only believe." All these are exemplifications of the words, "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Faith is the hand which the soul stretches out to receive the blessings of pardon, salvation, and peace. If two men have sinned, and are both conscious of guilt, one may walk at liberty, while the other is burdened; because, though he is grieved about his sin, and hates it, and therefore has truly repented, the latter fails to believe the assurance, "Thy sins are forgiven thee." Similarly, in trouble a Christian may exhibit a serenity which fills onlookers with wonder, not because his trouble is lighter or his sensibility less, but because he has faith to believe that God is doing good through the trouble, or that he will ultimately bring good out of it. This faith in Christ Jairus had, though imperfectly, and his peace was in proportion to his trust. I. JAIRUS'S FAITH WAS UNEXPECTED. He was "the ruler of the synagogue;" in other words, he was the president of one of the synagogues in Capernaum. It was his duty to superintend and direct its services, and to preside over its college of elders. As a pastor and professor - to use modern terms - be would have strong prejudices against a heretical teacher, such as our Lord was esteemed to be. We all know how difficult it is to go out of the usual course in any professional work; but although those who were associated with Jairus were hostile to our Lord, he dared to fall humbly at his feet. Sometimes the least hopeful, in human opinion, are the most richly blessed by Divine favour. Those who have often been taught and prayed for in our congregations may remain untouched, while some poor waif who has drifted in from the sea of life may find rest in Christ. Many shall come from the east and from the west. to sit down in the kingdom, while those who are favoured by circumstances and birth will be shut out. II. JAIRUS'S FAITH GERMINATED IN GRIEF. He had been shut up with his little daughter who was ill, and for a time had been cut off from ordinary duties and associations. We can picture him to ourselves sitting beside her, with her little hand in his, while her eyes would often seek his with filial love. She had heard of Christ (what child in Capernaum had not?); possibly she had seen him, and loved him, as most of the children did. And while she spoke to her father, when his heart was specially tender, he could not but drink in thoughts of the love and power of Jesus, until, daring the worst that his friends could say of him, he fell at Jesus' feet. Sometimes those who have been associated with Churches or Sunday schools remain untouched by holy influence, until, having left their old connections, they fall into sin and shame, and then, knowing not whither in the world to turn, they look to Jesus. Sometimes professing Christians feel that they are far from God, and that even in their prayers he appears vague and unreal; till trouble comes - illness assails one whose life is precious, and then they pray in an agony of earnestness, as Jairus did, when "he besought Jesus greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death." Faith often springs up in the soil of trouble. III. JAIRIUS'S FAITH WAS SEVERELY TRIED. His hope was quickened when he saw Jesus rise up at once to follow him; but the crowd would not let our Lord hasten, and the poor woman meanwhile stole her blessing, and Christ delayed to speak with her and with others. Looking towards his home with ever-growing anxiety, at last Jairus saw what he dreaded seeing - a messenger, who said, "Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further ?" But he had to learn that no one in earnest was ever a "trouble" to the Lord; that when he seemed to be caring for another he was really thinking of him, and preparing him to receive a far greater blessing than any he had come to seek. Christ delayed that "the trial of this man's faith, being much more precious than that of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found to God's glory." We often find that there is delay in the coming of answers to prayer. We cry for light, and yet our way is dark, and we see not even the next step. We ask for deliverance, but the disaster comes which overwhelms us with distress. We entreat the Lord to spare some cherished life, but the dear one is taken away. Nevertheless, "let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." IV. JAIRUS'S FAITH WAS LOVINGLY ENCOURAGED. The storm tested this tree till its roots struck deeper; but when there appeared some risk of its falling, Christ said to the tempest, "Peace, be still." When the messengers said, "Thy daughter is dead," at once Jesus spoke; and "as soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith,... Be not afraid, only believe." Again, when Jairus entered his house, you can imagine how the father's heart sank as he saw the mourners for the dead already there. Till then he had been hoping against hope, as sometimes we do till we actually, enter the darkened house where the dead one lies. Again Jesus interposed, saying, The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth;" for so would he keep alive trust and hope till the blessing came, for which they were the preparation. "He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax." - A. R. Parallel Verses KJV: And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, |
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