Ultimate Authority. Beautiful Purpose.

 By Mirely Maldonado

“He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum!’ (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.” Mark 5:41–43 (NIV)

Yesterday we read about how Jairus, in a moment of despair begged Jesus to heal his daughter who was on her deathbed. Jesus went with Jairus, and on their way there He healed a woman from a twelve-year hemorrhage. And before they got to Jairus’ house, they received news his daughter had passed away. 

Jairus, Jesus, and three of His disciples continued on. When they got to Jairus’ home, there were mourners there wailing loudly. But once Jesus said the girl was not dead but asleep, they quickly turned from mourning and ridiculed Him. Jesus had everyone leave the house except for the girl’s parents and His disciples.  

Jesus “took the girl by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum!” (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’)” (Mark 5:41 NIV). Jesus added “I say to you” because it was by His authority alone that her spirit would be able to return to her body. His words were not magic words or a formula that anyone can use to raise people from the dead. Romans 4:17 (NIV) says that He is “the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”

She immediately stood up and walked around! The people around her were astonished. Not only was she brought back to life, but she also seemed to be healed from her sickness as she was not bedridden anymore. What a beautiful display of not only Jesus’ power from God, as He is God, but also of our loving physician. After healing her, Jesus instructs her parents to care for her by bringing their daughter something to eat.

Jesus helped all kinds of people, and He still does today! Over the past two days, we’ve seen how He helped Jairus, a man who held a leadership position in his community, who had come publicly to ask Jesus for help and who was at risk of having twelve years of joy be overcome by tragedy. We also saw Him help a woman, someone we don’t know, who came secretly for help after suffering twelve long years of agony, which Jesus turned to healing! Although Jesus’ response to the woman was immediate and with Jairus it was delayed, both had a beautiful purpose which strengthened their faith respectively and uniquely. 

Jesus holds ultimate authority, and He wants us to trust Him even in moments when all seems lost. We do not need to fear as we are already “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NIV).

PAUSE: How can you turn from unbelieving “wails” around you and look in faith to Jesus’ power?

PRACTICE: Memorize the verse Romans 8:37 (NIV) so you can be reminded of Jesus’ power in and over your life and His love for you. Use it to encourage others!

PRAY: Dear Jesus, thank You for Your love and for how You are so faithful to use situations that seem hopeless ultimately for Your glory and for our good. Help me to not fall into despair. Help me be constantly reminded of Your power and faithfulness and to remind others around me as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.