A Plea from an Unlikely Person. Mark 5:21-24.
And when Jesus had crossed again to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet And implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.
Dear Royal Priesthood,
Jesus seems to have criss-crossed the sea of Galilee a good many times. He is now back on the western side of the sea, a predominantly Jewish area.
Popularity (v. 21). A crowd was around Jesus. This is indicative of the growing popularity of Jesus. It is almost as though the people were milling around by the seashore, waiting for him to come across. The fame of Jesus had spread very quickly in the Galilean region, so that much of what Jesus said and did was heard and seen by many people.
Prostration (v. 22). Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue. Rulers were usually elected by other men, to organize the affairs of the synagogue, including teaching at Sabbath services. Most rulers were Pharisees, so it is worthy of note that at a time when the Pharisees and scribes were growing resentful of Jesus, Jairus came and fell at the feet of Jesus.
Plea (vv. 23-24). Jairus did not allow pride or the disapproval of the religious class to influence his decision to come to Jesus. His little girl was dying and he needed Jesus’ help. Pride and peer pressure can dissuade one from the right course of action. Focus on your need and God’s ability and willingness to help you, and prostrate yourself before him, no matter who may be looking.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.