5.3 On the Roller Coaster With Jesus
The Desperate Plea: Jairus Kneels Before Jesus to Beg for Help for His Dying Daughter

Read Mark 5:21–24. What qualities stand out in Jairus?

In Mark 5:21–24, we meet Jairus, one of the synagogue leaders, who comes to Jesus with an urgent request. Although Jairus is a religious leader, and religious leaders were often skeptical of Jesus (see Mark 1:22; 3:2, 6; Luke 13:14), he displays remarkable qualities in this story that teach us much about his character and situation:

1. Desperation and Humility:

   • Desperation: Jairus’ desperation is evident as he falls to his knees before Jesus. This shows his deep sense of need and his willingness to set aside his own dignity and social status to seek help for his dying daughter. This action reveals great humility and the urgency of his plea.

2. Faith and Trust:

   • Faith: Despite the general skepticism of religious leaders towards Jesus, Jairus believes that Jesus can heal his daughter. His faith is strong enough to bring him publicly to Jesus to ask for help. This shows that Jairus, in his desperation, has developed deep hope and trust in Jesus’ power.

3. Parental Love and Care:

   • Parental Love: Jairus’ plea is driven by the love and care of a father for his child. This love motivates him to do whatever it takes to save his daughter’s life, even if it means turning to someone many of his peers reject. This dedication is understandable to any parent and shows the depth of his commitment and desperation.

4. Initiative and Determination:

   • Initiative: Jairus takes the initiative to seek help and shows determination by going directly to Jesus. This determination highlights his willingness to actively seek solutions rather than passively hope for a miracle. He acts proactively to save his daughter’s life.

These qualities of Jairus—his desperation and humility, his faith and trust, his parental love and care, and his initiative and determination—make him an impressive example of someone who trusts Jesus in the greatest need. The story reminds us that in our moments of desperation and need, faith in Jesus and the willingness to humbly seek help can be crucial.

Jairus’ encounter with Jesus teaches us that regardless of our social status or previous attitude towards Jesus, faith in his power and trust in his willingness to help can carry us through the toughest times.

Read Mark 5:25–34. What interrupts the journey to Jairus’ house?

In Mark 5:25–34, we experience a touching interruption on the way to Jairus’ house. The narrative suddenly shifts to a woman who has been suffering from bleeding for twelve years. This section is a remarkable example of the literary technique in Mark’s Gospel known as the “sandwich technique,” where one story is embedded within another. In this case, the stories of Jairus and the woman are intertwined to provide deeper insights into Jesus’ power and compassion.

Analysis of the Story and Insights:

1. The Woman with the Issue of Blood:

   • Long Suffering: The woman has suffered for twelve years and has endured much under the care of many doctors without finding a cure. This highlights her desperation and hopelessness.

   • Faith and Courage: Despite her suffering, she dares to secretly touch Jesus, hoping to be healed. Her faith that even touching his clothes would be enough to heal her is remarkable.

2. Jesus’ Response:

   • Awareness and Sensitivity: Jesus immediately senses that power has gone out from him and stops to ask who touched him. This shows his sensitivity and awareness of the needs of those around him.

   • Public Acknowledgment: Jesus does not want the healing to remain hidden. By addressing the woman, he gives her the opportunity to publicly testify to what happened and acknowledges her faith. He tells her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

3. Emotional Rollercoaster:

   • Fear and Joy: The woman experiences a rollercoaster of emotions—from the fear that Jesus might be angry to the joy and relief of her healing and Jesus’ compassionate words. This scene shows that Jesus brings not only physical healing but also emotional healing and peace.

4. Connection with Jairus’ Story:

   • Contrasting Characters: Jairus, a respected synagogue leader, and the nameless, ceremonially unclean woman are two contrasting personalities who both seek help from Jesus in their desperation. This shows that Jesus is there for all people, regardless of their social status or personal situation.

   • Interruption and Patience: The healing of the woman interrupts the journey to Jairus’ house, increasing the tension and testing Jairus’ patience and trust. This delay, followed by the news of his daughter’s death, intensifies the emotional rollercoaster for Jairus.

The stories of Jairus and the bleeding woman in Mark 5:21–34 are powerful accounts of faith, desperation, healing, and trust. These stories are not just historical events but also offer profound lessons and parallels that can be applied to our daily lives and faith.

1. Desperation and Humility:

   • Life Lesson: Like Jairus, who set aside his dignity and status to seek help for his daughter, we learn that in moments of desperation, we should put aside our prejudices and pride and humbly ask for help. No matter our situation, it is important to acknowledge our need and weakness and seek God’s support.

2. Faith and Trust:

   • Life Lesson: Jairus and the bleeding woman show us the importance of having faith and trust in Jesus, even in seemingly hopeless situations. The belief that Jesus can help encourages us to trust in his power and mercy despite all odds. These stories motivate us to hold on to prayer and faith, even when circumstances are discouraging.

3. Initiative and Determination:

   • Life Lesson: Jairus and the woman show determination and take the initiative to seek help. This teaches us to actively seek solutions and not remain passive. In our daily lives, this means being proactive in addressing problems and involving God in our actions rather than just waiting for a miracle.

4. Patience and Trust in God’s Timing:

   • Life Lesson: The interruption on the way to Jairus’ house and the subsequent healing of the woman teach us patience and trust in God’s timing. Sometimes we experience delays or unexpected events that challenge us. These stories remind us that God’s timing is perfect and that we should patiently wait for his intervention, even if we do not immediately understand the reasons for the delays.

5. Public Acknowledgment and Testimony:

   • Life Lesson: Jesus asks the woman to publicly acknowledge her healing. This shows the importance of testifying to God’s work in our lives. We should be ready to share our experiences and testimonies to encourage others and strengthen their faith. Our stories can give hope to others and encourage them to trust in Jesus as well.

6. Love and Care:

   • Life Lesson: Jairus’ deep love and care for his daughter remind us of the importance of supporting our loved ones and doing everything to help them. In our daily lives, we should strive to be there for our families and friends and support them in their needs.

7. Holistic Healing:

   • Life Lesson: Jesus not only healed the physical ailment of the bleeding woman but also gave her emotional peace and recognition. This shows that God is interested in our holistic healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual. We should trust that God can bring healing and peace in all areas of our lives.

Summary:

The stories of Jairus and the bleeding woman in Mark 5:21–34 offer valuable lessons for our daily lives and faith. They encourage us to humbly ask for help in moments of desperation, place our faith and trust in Jesus, actively seek solutions, patiently wait for God’s timing, testify to God’s work, care for others lovingly, and trust in holistic healing. By applying these principles in our daily lives, we can develop a deeper and stronger relationship with God and face life’s challenges with confidence and hope.

Trust that Jesus is working even in the unexpected interruptions of your life, bringing healing and peace where you need it most.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-miracles-around-the-lake-5-3-on-the-roller-coaster-with-jesus-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

July 30, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Malachi Chapter 4

1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

² But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

³ And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.

⁴ Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

⁵ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

⁶ And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Vers 1: Hier wird ein Tag beschrieben, der so heiß brennt wie ein Ofen und an dem die Gottlosen und Verächter wie Stroh verbrennen werden. Diese Bildsprache vermittelt eine starke Warnung vor den Konsequenzen eines gottlosen Lebens. Der Herr Zebaoth (Herr der Heerscharen) wird die Verächter ohne Wurzel und Zweige zurücklassen, was bedeutet, dass sie komplett vernichtet werden.

Vers 2: Im Gegensatz dazu wird denen, die den Namen des Herrn fürchten, die „Sonne der Gerechtigkeit“ aufgehen. Diese Metapher steht für Heil und Gerechtigkeit, die von Gott ausgehen. Es wird beschrieben, dass sie wie Mastkälber hüpfen werden, was ein Bild der Freude und des Überflusses ist. Diese Versprechen bieten Trost und Hoffnung für die Gläubigen.

Vers 3: Die Gläubigen werden die Gottlosen zertreten, die zu Asche unter ihren Füßen werden. Diese drastische Darstellung soll die endgültige Gerechtigkeit Gottes betonen.

Vers 4: Hier wird an das Gesetz Moses erinnert, das den Israeliten auf dem Berg Horeb gegeben wurde. Die Beachtung dieser Gebote und Rechte wird als essentiell dargestellt.

Vers 5: Gott kündigt an, den Propheten Elia zu senden, bevor der große und schreckliche Tag des Herrn kommt. Elia gilt als ein Vorbote, der das Kommen des Herrn ankündigt und die Menschen zur Umkehr ruft.

Vers 6: Elia wird die Herzen der Väter zu den Kindern und die Herzen der Kinder zu ihren Vätern kehren. Dies deutet auf eine Wiederherstellung und Heilung von Beziehungen hin, um das Land vor dem Bann zu bewahren.

Diese Passage hebt die Dualität von Gottes Gerechtigkeit und Barmherzigkeit hervor. Sie warnt vor den Folgen des Ungehorsams und verheißt Segen und Heil für diejenigen, die Gottes Namen fürchten und seine Gebote halten.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 51: The Light of Life

This chapter is based on John 8:12-59; John 9.

Read online here

Commentary

Introduction: Jesus as the Light of the World (John 8:12)

Jesus declares in the temple that He is the light of the world and promises that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. This statement is made during the Feast of Tabernacles, where large lamps in the temple courtyard illuminate Jerusalem and remind the people of the pillar of fire that guided Israel in the wilderness. Jesus uses this symbol to highlight His mission as a spiritual light meant to illuminate the darkness of the world.

The Significance of Light in the Bible

Light is a recurring symbol in the Bible for God’s presence and revelation. From the light of creation to the pillar of fire that guided Israel in the wilderness and the light that accompanied the dedication of Solomon’s temple, light stands for God’s guidance and proximity. Jesus, as the light of the world, embodies God’s essence and His relationship with humanity. He is the true light that enlightens every person (John 1:9).

Jesus and Abraham (John 8:56-58)

Jesus emphasizes His eternal existence and His relationship with Abraham, which the Pharisees perceive as presumptuous. He explains that Abraham rejoiced at the prospect of Jesus’ day. By saying, “Before Abraham was, I am,” Jesus claims divine existence and identity, which the Pharisees see as blasphemy and therefore want to stone Him.

The Healing of the Man Born Blind (John 9)

In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. This healing demonstrates that God’s works are revealed through Jesus. The disciples and the Pharisees inquire about the cause of the blindness, but Jesus shifts the focus to the outcome: the revelation of God’s power and grace. This healing occurs on the Sabbath, prompting the Pharisees to again condemn Jesus as a lawbreaker.

The Pharisees’ Reaction

The Pharisees attempt to deny the miracle and intimidate the healed man and his parents. However, the formerly blind man bravely defends Jesus and points to the obvious divine origin of his healing. This defense leads to his expulsion from the synagogue. Jesus seeks him out and fully reveals Himself to him, whereupon the man worships Jesus as the Son of Man.

Spiritual Blindness of the Pharisees

Jesus uses the healing of the man born blind to highlight the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees. They claim to see, but they reject the true light that Jesus offers. Their self-righteousness and pride prevent them from recognizing the truth, thus their sin remains.

Summary

Chapter 51 underscores the profound significance of Jesus’ declaration, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus brings not only physical but also spiritual light into the world, revealing God’s truth and saving people from the darkness of sin. The healing of the man born blind serves as a practical example of Jesus’ mission and the necessity of accepting spiritual light. The Pharisees, however, remain trapped in their self-righteousness and reject the life-changing light that Jesus offers.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/30-07-2024-malachi-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/