Open your bibles to Mark 5:21-36, and read the text through

several times to familiarize yourself with today's story.

     This week we find Jesus returning to Capernaum. It is here

he achieved greatest popularity. The whole city knew his

name and crowds turned out to hear him speak and see his

healings. Although Jesus had been publicly attacked by the

Scribes, Pharisees, and the Herodians, and they had joined

together to plot his death, the common people still regarded him

as a man of God.

     In today's lesson, we will see Jesus interact with

representatives of both groups.

     

     Would you now pray with me and begin your prayer with these

thoughts?



     Father we come before you to learn of your Son Jesus. Help

us Lord to know his love and his grace. We thank you that you

always responds to faith with compassion and that you are able to

rescue us from our troubles................................



verses 21-23

     When Jesus arrived at Capernaum, it didn't take long for the

news to spread throughout the city, soon a crowd gathered to see

and hear all that Jesus would do and say.

     However, in the house of Jarius, the family was preparing

for the inevitable death of their daughter who was fading fast.

The doctors had been sent home, and the mourners had been

contacted to be ready. 

     When news of Jesus' arrival came to Jarius, hope leapt in

his heart, hadn't he seen Jesus cast out a demon in his

synagogue, and the whole town speaks of his healing power.

     Jarius bolted out the door and fought his way through the

crowds till he stood before Jesus. Then, without thought for his

social standing, his position as ruler of the synagogue, or the

theological implications of what he was about to do, he fell face

down in the dust before Jesus and begged for his daughters life.



verses 24-36   



     Time must have seemed to stand still as Jarius anxiously

tried to hurry Jesus through the crowds. Then Jesus stopped

and asked "who touched me."------ Jarius' heart must have sank. 

     "What is this?, We must hurry or it will be too late! My

daughter is dying!!" "Why does he stop to speak with this woman

can't she wait till we return, this is a matter of life and

death!"

     Just as these thoughts were racing through his head a

messenger reached Jarius with the dreaded news, "Your daughter is

dead, why bother the teacher any more?"

     Jarius' heart must have plunged into despair. To have his

hopes built up, only to have them smashed down. He had humbled

himself publicly, but all for nothing. While his daughter lived

there was still hope, but who can raise the dead?



     As he wept, someone's hands lifted up his face and through

his tear filled eyes he saw that it was Jesus. Then Jesus spoke

these words, "Don't be afraid; just believe."



     Have you ever faced despair and hopelessness? Have you ever

watched helplessly as time ran out and help didn't arrive? Have

you ever lived in panic or dread over what the future would

bring?  Jesus'words "Don't be afraid; just believe", are for you.

     We live in a fallen world, and ultimately death and disease

will catch up with us. Natural disasters and the evil deeds of

man are unavoidable, they happen to all people.

     The good news is that we don't have to face these things

alone. Jesus tells us "Don't be afraid; just believe." 

See John 16.32-33, and Mat. 28:18-20.

     Next week we will continue the story of Jarius and the sick

woman, till then may God bless you.

                                   Love in Christ

               

                                   Greg Spencer