Mark 5:21-24 A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed
(Matt. 9:18–26; Luke 8:40–56)
21 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.
V21 “Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea.” Even though opposition is growing, Jesus continues to teach, do miracles, and heal. He has a calling and presses ahead to fulfill it. The casting out of the demons and healing of the man among the Gadarenes is completed. After leaving there, Jesus goes across the Sea of Galilee for more ministry.
V22 “And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet…” A ruler of the synagogue is (Got Questions (https://www.gotquestions.org/ruler-of-the-synagogue.html)): “A ruler of the synagogue, or archisynagogos in Greek, was a central figure in the Jewish community, responsible for administrating and overseeing the synagogue’s activities. The synagogue served multiple functions, acting as a place of worship and as a center for education, community gatherings, and legal matters. The ruler ensured the synagogue operated smoothly and remained a focal point for religious and communal life.
“The responsibilities of the synagogue ruler were extensive. They included leading worship services, overseeing the regular liturgical functions of the synagogue, and ensuring that services were conducted according to Jewish law and tradition. The role of the ruler of the synagogue also encompassed organizing Scripture readings and managing the teaching within the synagogue. The ruler of the synagogue was responsible for ensuring that the congregation was instructed in the Jewish faith and laws. The ruler played a crucial role in maintaining discipline and governance within the synagogue, ensuring order and adherence to religious practices.”
V23 “…and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” Since the Jewish leaders hated the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, this was a bold step of faith. Note the man’s faith. Compare Hebrews 11:1, Jonah 3:5 (believed Jonah’s message), and Genesis 15:6. He believed that if Jesus laid His hands on his daughter, she would be healed. Believing God is what brings His blessings. It is not always His will to heal, but when on earth, it was, if that person would come to Jesus.
V24 “So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.” Jesus perceived the great faith of this man.
We learn:
- About Jesus’s power.
- About Jesus’s compassion.
- About the ruler’s faith.
Questions:
- Are we fulfilling God’s calling for us?
- Do we believe in Jesus?