A Lesson from a Father's Love

Let's take a walk with a man whose love for his daughter drove him to Jesus. The man's name is Jairus. He was a leader of the local synagogue in his village. We are not told much about this man or his family other than he had a daughter that was deathly sick. We are not told how he knew that Jesus had just arrived at the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee near his village. What we do know is the this man immediately sought for Jesus' help. “My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live (Mark 5:23).” The Bible tells us that, even though he was a “ruler” of the synagogue, Jairus fell at Jesus feet. His love for his daughter and his desperation drove him. He sought out Jesus. We are given a lesson in a father's love for his daughter and the faith that drove that love to Jesus.

How many never venture in faith, because they feel unworthy. They never know the joy of answered prayer, because they are not willing to take the chance that the Lord may say no. The believer can be confident that we can approach the Savior in faith and expect Jesus to respond with compassion. “And Jesus went with him... (Mark 5:24).” We teach our children to sing “Jesus loves me this I know...”, but somehow forget that we are born again into His family and the Lord cares for us. Always “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:7).” Child go to Him in faith, because He cares for you.

During those times of our greatest need we may be used to put others in Jesus way. This happened in the case of the woman with the issue of blood. The crowd followed Jesus and Jairus to see what would happen. She was just one in the crowd, but she was the one with faith to reach out and touch Jesus in faith. Would she have been able to get to Jesus if it had not been for Jairus leading the Master to his house? We may never know, but forever the healing of this woman is join to the raising of Jairus' daughter

The joy of this woman's healing was short lived, because the delay on account of the woman's need brought the report that Jairus' daughter had died. “Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?” What agony must have entered into the mind and heart of Jairus. Nothing is recorded of his reaction to such horrible news. The agony of the soul is often times closed off to the outside world. Although we do not have Jairus' reaction, what we do have is the Master's comforting words, “Be not afraid, only believe (Mark 5:35).” It is so hard sometimes to believe, but it is Jesus Who speaks to this broken heart. The Lord still speaks to us. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).”

At this point, Jesus takes charge. He makes the crowds stay behind and takes Jairus and three disciples with Him to the home. At the home the Lord deals with the mourners. “Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth (Mark 5:39).” Their response to Jesus was less than supportive, so He puts everyone out of the house. He enters the death room with Jairus and his wife, and Peter, James, and John. Lying in her bed is this father and mother's little girl. I can imagine that viewing this little one loss to them seemingly forever grips their hearts. But Jesus takes her by the hand and says, “Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.” At the word of Jesus the dead rises and the Lord returns to them their dear little girl. What they hoped beyond hope was granted to them by the grace of Christ.

The person that puts his faith in the Lord need never fear that He does not hear our cries for help. As the Lord helps us He helps other and His name is glorified. And in faith's darkest hour the Lord Jesus Himself takes charge of the saints faith – nurturing, leading, protecting, and proving it. The saint that trusts in the Lord will find that Jesus is there every step of the way. Our faith does not need to be strong. It just needs to focus on Christ.