But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” Luke 8:54
Jesus had just returned to Galilee from the region of the Gadarenes where He had delivered a man who had been demon possessed. There was a great crowd waiting for Him when he got back to Galilee. Among those was one whom you would not expect to see in the crowd or to see talking to Jesus, but this man was desperate.
Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue and as such, held a high place in society and among the devout Jews of the region. You could be sure that, when he held a social event, the guest list would be a literal “who’s who” of the religious and societal elite. There had more than likely been conversations at some of these events where the name of Jesus was brought up, but not in a good way; more to make fun of Him and His followers.
But now, here is Jairus coming out to see Jesus in broad daylight with a huge crowd gathered around and he falls at Jesus’ feet, begging Him to come to his house. Why was Jairus so desperate that he would risk total humiliation and the ridicule of his friends and peers? His twelve-year-old daughter was dying. He had faith that Jesus could heal his daughter and he was willing to put his faith in Jesus ahead of the opinion of his friends and peers.
On the way to his house (after stopping to talk to a woman who was healed by touching the hem of His garment, but that is a story for another day!) someone came to inform Jairus that his daughter was dead and there was no reason for Jesus to come to his house after all. Now Jairus’ faith is really going to be tested, for Jesus declares that everything is going to be alright. When they get there, Jesus only allows Peter, James, John and the parents in the house. What about all of Jairus’ friends? They are making fun of Jesus and declaring that the young girl is dead. Jesus put them all outside and then raised the girl from the dead!
Any time you are facing a situation that calls for a miracle, circumstances that are beyond your natural ability to work out, anything that requires a touch of the Master’s hand, it is helpful to remember Jairus. He was not concerned with who was around or who would see him, he got himself into the presence of Jesus and fell down before the Lord, humbling himself under the mighty hand of God. He was not ashamed to weep before the Lord and pour his heart out to Jesus.
Jairus and his wife had faith to believe Jesus could help them, but they were surrounded by friends and probably even family members who, even though they were well meaning, did not share their faith in Jesus. Not only did they not encourage Jairus and his wife in their faith but they ridiculed them and made fun of their expectation for a miracle.
That’s when it’s time to put away unbelief and, like Jesus, only have those around you who share your faith and expectation that God is going to show up and do something awesome on your behalf. Surround yourself with faith and put away unbelief, just like Jesus did!
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