Another Ruler
Nicodemus was a ruler of the synagogue. He was not the only synagogue ruler to come to Jesus, however. Today we witness a ruler-father intercede on behalf of his only daughter.
Mk 5:22-24, Mk 5:35-43
- Jarius. A public figure. A leader of the synagogue.
- Father. Concerned. Shameless-falling at the feet of Jesus, crying, “Come and heal her.”
- Hope shattered when a messenger comes from the house and announces, “Your daughter is dead.”
- Jesus, not limited by the past, encourages, “Be not afraid. Only believe.”
- Peter, James and John alone of all the apostles accompany Jesus to the house where they find many mourners gathered, including (already) minstrels.
- When Jesus asks why the fuss, and suggests that the girl is but sleeping, the crowd laugh him to scorn.
- Jesus calmly takes mother and father to where the girl lay.
- He clasps her hand, and bids her to arise.
- When the 12-year old rises and walks, Jesus instructs the parents not to tell anyone. Then he commands that she be fed.
Meditation Points:
- Would you throw away all respectability to plead for your child’s life? Would you throw away all respectability to plead for your child’s soul?
- Would anyone suggest Jesus is unfair to restore life to this child and not to all who died in that city that day?
- Yes, she was dead. The mourners were right. But their unbelief prevented them from seeing possibilities.
- How could the parents keep this quiet?
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