By Dr. Lawrence Butler
The Bridge Church, Pembroke
Our study of the Jewish synagogue leader named Jairus continues with a deeper look at the man himself. This is the third exposition of this narrative and provides a view at just how widespread the ministry of Jesus was. When Jairus knew the death of his daughter was imminent, he immediately left to seek Jesus. When he arrived, he found a tremendous crowd present. “And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea” (Mark 5:21). So many people wanted/needed help, while others were there perhaps to simply observe, that the place was filled with masses of people. “And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?” (Mark 5:31). Truly the Apostle Paul spoke the truth when he said, “For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26). Even kings knew about Christ, so it is no surprise that Jairus knew as well, and came seeking mercy.
That Jairus knew about the power of the healer from Galilee is no surprise, he just wouldn’t reach out publicly until he was desperate. The same thing was occurring with the woman who interrupted Christ on His way to the home of Jairus. She needed healing, tried all means available, and came to Christ in desperation. Desperation can drive us to Christ or it can push us in directions which will destroy us. Two people driven in the same direction by the same motive met Christ that day. One sought immediate deliverance without attention, the other just wanted Jesus to keep moving. Jairus was anxious, worried and frustrated. Knowing that time was critical, he wanted Christ focused on his problem. Stopping to heal a sick woman wasn’t on Jairus’ agenda. The interruption may have even angered him. The real problem was that he was afraid. Where does you frustration and anger come from? Are you really afraid about something that you need to resolve but haven’t? Hear the words of Christ to Jairus at this point, “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36).