This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)
Mark 5:21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 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.” 24 So Jesus went with him.
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35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”
36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Jairus had a problem only Jesus could solve.
His daughter was dying. Nothing else mattered. Status, reputation, possessions, and accomplishments suddenly became insignificant. So Jairus did what desperate people often do. He ran to Jesus.
Many of us can relate.
When life falls apart, when a diagnosis comes, when a relationship breaks, or when anxiety overwhelms us, we naturally turn to God for help. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, Scripture repeatedly invites us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us.
Yet there is something interesting about Jairus’s story. He came to Jesus because he wanted healing, but he received much more than healing. Before the story ends, Jairus sees Jesus reveal His authority not only over sickness but even over death itself.
Sometimes we approach Jesus like a specialist. We bring Him the one problem we need fixed. We ask Him to solve our immediate concern and then return life to normal.
But Jesus never came merely to solve temporary problems.
The crowds often followed Jesus because of His miracles. They loved the healings, the multiplied bread, and the dramatic displays of power. Yet many of those same people walked away when Jesus called them to trust Him, follow Him, and believe in Him.
It is possible to want what Jesus can give without wanting Jesus Himself.
The greatest gift Jesus offers is not a healthier body, a better job, or an easier life. The greatest gift He offers is Himself.
Think about a child who wakes up frightened during a storm. The child may ask for a nightlight, a blanket, or a favorite stuffed animal. But what usually brings the deepest comfort? The presence of a loving parent sitting beside the bed.
In much the same way, Jesus often gives us His greatest gift even before He changes our circumstances—His presence.
The Lord who calmed storms still walks with His people through storms. The Lord who raised Jairus’s daughter still promises that death will not have the final word for those who belong to Him.
Whatever concern weighs on your heart today, bring it to Jesus. Ask boldly. Pray honestly. Trust Him completely.
But remember that the greatest miracle He has already accomplished. Through His death and resurrection, He has conquered sin, death, and the grave. Because of that victory, even when life does not unfold according to our plans, we can rest in the One who holds us securely in His hands.
Jesus is not merely a miracle worker.
He is your Savior.
Reflect: What need or burden are you bringing to Jesus today? Are you seeking primarily what Jesus can do for you, or are you learning to trust Him for who He is?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the worries, fears, and burdens I carry. Thank You for inviting me to bring them all before You. Help me trust You not only for the things I want You to do, but for who You are. Remind me that Your greatest gift is not simply Your help, but Your presence and Your salvation. Amen.