July 1, 2018 Sunday

“21 ¶  Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22  And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23  and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24  So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. 25  Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26  and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27  When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28  For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29  Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30  And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31  But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” 32  And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33  But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34  And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” 35 ¶  While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36  As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37  And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38  Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39  When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” 40  And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41  Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42  Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. 43  But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.” (Mark 5:21-43 NKJV)

            We may be tempted to think of this passage as having two miracles but while there are two miracles there also is a miracle inside of a miracle. In a way this passage is like a doughnut in that you have the raising from the dead of a child on both sides and the healing of the woman who had an issue of blood like the doughnut hole.

            It is easy for us to concentrate on Jesus raising the young girl from the dead and miss the truly amazing part of this passage. There are so many interesting points to this passage and to truly see what Jesus is doing here we must look at some of these.

            First we see Jesus was at the right place at the right time.

            Second Jesus listened to the heartfelt request of a religious leader.

            Third Jesus responded to the request without any second thought. (It is possible Jesus came there for that very purpose!)

            Fourth as Jesus went to heal the girl He healed the woman along the way.

            Fifth Jesus healed the woman by her touch but knew His power was being used.

            Sixth when told the girl He had come to heal was dead Jesus continued on.

            Seventh with only a few people there Jesus told the child to arise and she walked.         Eighth Jesus asked they not tell anyone about this miracle.

            Like Jesus as we go to minister to someone we must not miss the opportunities along the way. On the way to resurrect a young girl Jesus walked through the crowd and gave an opportunity for anyone to find healing. We must be open to offer hope and help to those God places in our way. For often that is when the greatest miracles take place!

            As you walk through life do you hear the cry of the needy? Do you allow the needs of others touch you so you will offer help? Do you trust in God to do the things you cannot do and that others cannot do also?