Based on Matthew 9:18-26 or Mark 5:22-43
I Am Jairus
Step 3 of my 4 Simple Steps to Better Scripture Meditations is Join the Story. During this step, an individual imaginatively places themselves in the story and situation they are reading in Scripture.
Today I placed myself in the story as the official, Jairus, who pleads with Jesus, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
In my life I have lost grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, a parent, a grandchild, and a brother but not a child. It is hard for me to imagine the pain and suffering of such an event.
In many of the cases above, when I knew death was imminent, I prayed for their healing and for them to live. Never have I earnestly prayed for them to be brought back to life!
Jairus’ faith is amazing! He prays not for healing but for life to be given back to his child! Oh that I might have such faith!
What struck me today is that Jesus immediately responds to Jairus. Jesus says nothing. He simply “rose and followed him.” It is a quick response but the fulfillment of that request will require patience on Jairus’ part…
Wait Your Turn
On his way to Jairus’ house, Jesus gets distracted. Another seeks healing. She who has been suffering for years stops Jesus. If I were Jairus I would have asked her to wait her turn, “Ma’am, this is urgent. I’ll ask Him to return when we are finished“. Afterall, what’s a few more days for someone who has suffered so long. My selfishness would have raised its ugly head! What’s more important!? Your bleeding or the life of my child!? Oh that I might have the faith and patience of Jairus!
This passage is a good reminder that Jesus is always responsive to my requests. However, His timing is not always what I would like. I want things now. He tries to teach me patience and trust.
Patience, Faith, and Trust
Patience, trust, and stepping out in faith are the words the Lord is speaking to me through today’s passage. The woman was patient, trusted, and stepped out in faith, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jairus too stepped out in faith with his bold request. He trusted that the Lord could do all that he asked of Him. He was patient during Jesus’ side quest.
In the end, both the woman and Jairus’ daughter were healed. The one of bleeding. The other of death itself.
Oh Lord, help me to step out in faith and ask boldly for my needs. Help me to trust that no matter Your response, it will be for my good. Teach me to be patient as the woman and Jairus were patient.
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James M. Hahn, Author 