12 Nov Believe
Read: Mark 5:21-43
Last Sunday Pastor Ken preached on the authority and power of King Jesus from Mark 4:35-5:20. Here we saw the biblical pattern of a desperate condition, divine intervention, and a drastic reaction in two displays of Jesus’ authority and power, one over the storm (nature) and one over the demoniac (supernatural). This Sunday we will further consider Jesus’ authority and power through seeing this same pattern displayed in the curing of disease and even the raising of the dead in Mark 5:21-43. As you prepare your heart for our corporate gathering, let these words from Dr. Akin encourage you.
Heart Preparation
Jairus by now must be beside himself in anxiety and frustration. His daughter is at death’s door. This woman has been sick for 12 years— she could have waited another 30 minutes! Unlike Nicodemus, who came in the dark of night, he came in daylight, humble and begging. He demanded nothing, and look where it got him! Note the similarities between Jairus and the nameless woman: (1) they knew only Jesus could help them; (2) they knew they were unworthy; (3) they fell down; and (4) they believed Jesus could heal. She got what she wanted. However, things for Jairus appear to go from bad to worse. Jesus is interrupted with bad news: Jairus’ daughter is dead. Hope is suddenly gone. Jesus responds to the bad news with a challenge. It is as if He is saying: “Despite all appearances I am neither distracted nor disinterested in your need. I work in My time, not others’ time. I will not be hurried or dictated to. Believe and watch what I do.”
He takes the inner circle of Peter, James, and John. This is the first time He separates them from the others. Professional mourners had arrived to accompany the family with their “loud wailing.” It would have been quite a scene. Jesus rebukes them with a shocking statement that only invites their ridicule. He kicks them out of the house (!) and goes in with just the three disciples and the little girl’s parents. Hard-core realists who breathe the air of skepticism will always be with us. They will mock our faith in a crucified Jew and ridicule our trust in a God we cannot see. They will laugh at your love for the Savior who has cleansed you of sin’s defilement and given you spiritual life by His atoning work on the cross. Nevertheless, believe. Have faith— not faith in faith, which is spiritual nonsense, but faith in the omnipotent, sovereign Lord Jesus whose authority and power are absolute and know no rival.
Jesus again does the unthinkable in that culture, a taboo of enormous magnitude: He touches the dead body of the little girl! With a gentle touch, as Mom and Dad look on through tears, He says, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” The response, by now, should not surprise us! Immediately she got up, obeying the Master. They were “immediately overcome with amazement,” which is one of the great understatements of Scripture. He gave a command to keep this quiet (for Messianic reasons). He instructed them to give her something to eat (for practical reasons). This little lady had been completely restored to full health. Like her spiritual sister in verses 24-34, her gender, namelessness, uncleanness, and impossible condition did not stop her from experiencing the healing touch of the great physician. Yes, we can believe in Jesus no matter what. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Excerpt from Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Mark, by Daniel L. Akin, pp. 113-14.
Song List for Sunday
- Hosanna, Shane and Shane arrangement
- You Alone Can Rescue, by Matt Redman
- Nothing but the Blood, Charlie Hall arrangement
- This I Believe, Shane and Shane arrangement
- Come Ye Sinners, H2O (Providence College Ministry) arrangement