Luke 8-9

Luke 8:40-56
This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. Put yourself in the shoes of Jairus, whose daughter was terribly sick. He goes and finds Jesus and knows that Jesus can do something about it. He begs Jesus and Jesus agrees to go with him.

On the way to Jairus’ home we get the sense that the crowds were black Friday “waiting in line to get a tv” type crowds. It was packed! People bumping up against each other over and over. Then something happens. A lady touches the “fringe of Jesus garment”. THE FRINGE!!! It gives us a picture of a brushing, slighting getting any touch. But before we go to what actually happens to the lady it is important to note that she has a bleeding medical condition that the doctors have not be able to solve. She has been trying to find healing for 12 years. 12 years! Do you remember what life was like in 2008? I was graduating high school, the presidential candidates running for office were the late John McCain and Barak Obama, the stock market crashed, and The New York Giants (gross) won the Superbowl. I guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then. But that is all beside the point. This lady was desperate. She spent all of her money on trying to get better, but nothing worked. Until she touched the fringe of Jesus’ garment. Then her life was changed. She was immediately healed. Jesus felt power leave His body and calls out asking who touched Him. SPOILER ALERT! He already knew, but He wanted this woman to come forward by herself. She does and Jesus says to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

BUT WAIT. Don’t forget that Jairus is standing there waiting for all of this to be over so that Jesus can save the life of his little girl. Imagine the desperation! Knowing your child is suffering, that time is limited and Jesus is talking to this woman who is already healed! WHAT IS HE DOING?! Does He not understand that my daughter is dying?

The truth is that Jesus already knew this was all going to happen. He knew that on the journey to Jairus home, someone else would need Him to stop. At times in our lives, we look at how God is engaging in the lives of others and it’s easy to wonder why He isn’t engaging in the same with us. Maybe you have been praying and waiting for healing only to watch others experience it, while you have not. Maybe you are praying and waiting for restoration in your marriage only to watch it continue to struggle. The truth is that on this side of heaven, we will not completely understand what God is doing. We have such a limited view of the big picture. All we can do is trust that God is in control and that He knows what’s truly best.

It’s at this moment when someone comes and tells Jairus that his daughter is dead. Jesus overhears and tells them this, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” Jesus goes into the house (after being mocked by those outside), and tells her, “child, arise”. I don’t know about you, but I used to imagine this scene as a dramatic deep voice, like the movie trailer, saying “CHILD ARISE”. However, that is not the picture here at all. When looking at what Jesus says to the little girl, it is how a Father would talk his young child. “It is time to wake up, baby girl.” “It is time to wake up, sweet one.” What grace, what love, what mercy, what power! We don’t know what the future holds, but we know the one who holds the future. Jairus didn’t know that a part of his journey was going to be watching the miracle of someone else. I’m sure he imagined that Jesus would make it in time.

May we trust in the one who holds the future. May we trust that His ways are higher. May we trust that His love for us is so steadfast and marvelous. 

~Pastor Tony