Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Utter Desperation
Read Mark 5:21-43

Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” Mark 5:22 - 23

Many people living in Asia are utterly desperate for relief. People are poor, stricken with diseases and also subjected to vicious natural disasters. Many of them live their entire life in miserable conditions without any relief. Many have resigned themselves to this state of life. Is there a way out for these people?

Jairus and the sick woman were desperate people. It seemed as if their situations were hopeless. Jairus’ daughter was dying. In fact she died before Jesus came to her (vs 23, 35). Imagine the grief and desperation Jairus must have felt in losing his beloved daughter. The woman had an illness for twelve years (v 25). She would have been weak and must have felt hopeless. They were utterly desperate. We too may have times when we are desperate to come out of some terrible situation. It is hard when we are helpless to do so.

In their desperation, a ray of hope shone through. They reached out to Jesus. One met Jesus publicly, one in secret. And both had their needs met. Their faith in Jesus brought relief.

We should never be ashamed to seek Jesus for our needs. People tend to only rely on modern methods for healing but we need to seek Jesus too. In our desperation, Jesus can give us life if only we believe.