Reference Passage:
Luke 8:41-56 (NKJV)
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?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
His only daughter lay dying at home and Jairus was desperate. It wasn't easy to approach Jesus Christ because He wasn't a celebrated figure in Jairus' social circle. At Jairus' request, Jesus decided that Jairus' problem needed His attention although He was busy with a thronging crowd already. When they set out together, another desperate patient broke Jesus' stride. Soon someone came from Jairus' home to announce that the girl was dead. "Why trouble the Teacher anymore?" they asked.
To the best of their knowledge, the girl was surely dead. The declaration of death is never a casual one. Every sign was monitored, every symptom accounted for. The departed could only be remembered and mourned. To the best of their knowledge, the Teacher had no more role to play because THE END had come.
We believe that the 21st century means trouble for Jesus Christ. Even though we are seeking His help, the global problem of evil has persuaded us that Christ was more relevant in the first century when humans were more naive and saintly. Therefore church buildings being converted to shopping space due to a decline of faith, must be a crisis situation for the famous Teacher since He is too late to catch up with the times.
The Teacher told grieving Jairus, "Don't be afraid, only believe". Together with Jairus, we are at life's crossroads where a decision has to be taken whether we will continue with Jesus, or discard our faith in Him altogether. The odds appear to be against us.
Jairus allowed the Teacher to come home. Hearing the tumult in and around the house, Jesus remarked, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." Ridiculous! Nobody was impressed with that statement, and Jairus may have badly wished he hadn't brought this lunatic along.
However, it was time for the Lord to take complete charge of the chaos. He wouldn't allow anyone to enter the room where the dead body lay, except the parents and His close friends Peter, James and John. That must have been quite a task! I wonder how many domineering uncles and pesky aunties were shut out to accomplish this.
Outside the chaos continued. Inside, the Son of God held the hand of the lifeless girl.
"Little girl, arise!"
One command of the Lord of life dispelled the mist of death. The girl revived.
How quickly the tables turned! Jairus' faith didn't appear so outdated anymore. The Man in charge was not talking in His sleep either. In the very house where Science insisted "Case closed!", faith became the laboratory where the Creator proved that even death was as shallow as sleep.
The world we inhabit has become such a ghastly cauldron of commotion and chaos, as was Jairus' home. The reason is not really different either - our spiritual death has separated us from the life-giving presence of God. Nevertheless, the same outcome awaits all who will believe. What we see, hear and know do not really bother the Teacher as we assume. Tables turn when He takes full control. Blessings reappear again, although we thought they would only be distant memories of good times. Its we who are bothered sore, and His gentle voice comforts us still - "Do not be afraid. Just believe."
