LEARNING DAILY

Mark 5:22-25, Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." So, Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.

Jonathon Moore, Lead Pastor at Northrock Church continued the series Jesus Stories with a clip from the television series The Chosen. In this clip Jesus responded to the “desperate faith of Jarius”, one of the laymen in the synagogue. On this day, the need of Jarius was so great he found Jesus, fell at His feet, and begged Him to come heal his daughter. “So, Jesus went with him.” Pastor Moore said, “Jesus responds to desperate faith.”

Pastor talked about four words that describe the healing of Jarius’ daughter. The first word is DESPERATION. “Jarius was well-educated, serving as a layman tasked with overseeing certain administrative details of running local synagogues. Though not a priest, he supervised the care and operation of the synagogue and its worship” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). He was well respected, “but on this day he did not care about any of this – he fell at the feet of Jesus in desperation” (JM). He continued, “True desperation drives people to the feet of Jesus to earnestly plead for their need. Desperation removes pride, stripping away the illusion that we are in control of the situation.” Approaching Jesus and falling at His feet speaks volumes about his humility and recognition of His divine power. “Faith is not about pretending that everything is good, it is about bringing everything to Jesus” (JM). Jarius’ act of faith should remind Believer’s today of the hope and comfort that can be found in turning to God in times of stress and need.

The second word describing this miracle is DELAY. On the way, Jesus was stopped by a woman who had an issue of blood. Another situation. Another need for one desperate for a healing. A delay. “Delays are not fun. We all have experienced God’s delay, when prayer seems to be unanswered, have not been realized. But God does not put a timeline on our need – we do.” (JM). What do you do, how do you react when things are not happening as fast as you want? Hebrews 6:12, “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (NIV). Believers stay focused in your faith and be patient. “Jesus stopped to take care of the woman’s need – He always has time for those in need” (JM). That includes you! There is no limit to the power of Jesus. Pastor asked, “What is God teaching you while you wait? Let someone else’s blessing encourage you about getting yours, and others need to hear what Jesus has done for you as well” (JM).

The third word is DETOX. “What are the toxins in your life that are causing your faith to falter? Is it people? Sin? What do you need to get rid of in your life that prevents faith from rising? Faith rises in the right environment; get rid of all the negative stuff. When Jesus got to the house of Jarius, He cleared the room of all the negativity that impacted faith” (JM).

The fourth word is DELIVERANCE. “When Jesus speaks life returns, the atmosphere changes, and possibilities move” (JM). The story of Jarius serves as an example of the power of faith when adversity comes. It is an example for Believers to approach God with a sincere heart, just as Jarius did. Let the desperation of Jarius ignite a fire in your faith today; take bold, courageous steps, trusting Jesus with your need. Seek Jesus with passion and knowledge that He can do all things.