Jairus was in a hurry to reach Jesus. I don’t believe he took the scenic route or that he stopped and engaged in small talk with folks. I’m sure when he reached Jesus, there was a sense of urgency in his voice when he asked Jesus to come to his house to heal his very ill daughter. The last thing Jairus wanted was to encounter interruptions.
But, as they walked toward Jairus’ home, they were interrupted by the woman with the issue of blood touching the hem of Jesus’ clothes. She was healed instantly.
Jesus further delayed their journey by asking a massive crowd, “Who” touched Him? She reluctantly admitted she was the one and said she was instantly healed.
Jesus continued the conversation when He said to the woman, “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” Oh, how the woman’s heart soared! Not only did she receive healing, but Jesus told her she could go in peace, as it was her faith that healed her! Her determination to touch Jesus paid off!
Yet, she had no idea she was holding up Jesus from going to see about Jairus’ daughter. Of course, he knew, but he couldn’t do a thing about the situation. He had to wait on Jesus.
Jesus permitted the interruption. I’m sure Jairus was happy for the woman. She’d received what his daughter needed – healing. The moment was uplifting, but I believe Jairus was thinking, “My daughter, Jesus, my daughter.” But before Jesus could finish his sentence to the woman, another interruption yanked away the joyful moment.
Someone ran up to Jairus and said it was too late as the child died, so don’t bother bringing Jesus any further!
But I love how Jesus quickly spoke directly to Jairus. He countered the news with the words: “Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.” Jairus wrapped those words around his heart and mind and continued with Jesus to the house!
Oh, how we long for Jesus to prevent life’s interruptions. We call for him to address our problems, expecting Him to respond minus interruptions. Despite our best efforts, we find ourselves facing problems and numerous interruptions, which catapult our problem to the “it’s too late, so don’t bother Jesus any longer” level.
Jairus did not anticipate being held up by someone else’s deliverance, which his daughter desperately needed. He couldn’t control the interruptions. Nor did he expect to hear the worst news, followed by Jesus encouraging him to believe despite what he heard.
But this passage reminds us that if Jesus says it’s not too late, then interruptions or no, it’s not too late. Lord, help us to embrace what You are saying!!
40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done. Luke 8:40-56 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)