Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 9:18-26
There are 2 stories intertwined here. We'll talk about the synagogue leader (or ruler) first. Then we'll discuss the woman's healing next time. So, what information are you given about the synagogue leader and why did he come to Jesus?
The Jewish temple was in Jerusalem, but most villages had a synagogue. This was a place where the people would gather to worship on the Sabbath. During the week the children would be taught God's Scripture from the Jewish Scripture (the Old Testament) and Jewish law from the Talmud. The leaders of each synagogue were selected by the people. If there was a priest or scribe living in the town, they were usually selected to lead the synagogue. But if not – they could select any adult male. There were no sacrifices offered there. It was simply a meeting place for worship and prayer and learning – much like churches today.
So, this Jewish synagogue leader asked for Jesus' help because his daughter had died. Did Jesus agree to help him?
But what happened as they were going to his house?
If you were the father, how would feel about this interruption? Would you be angry at the interruption?
Let's read Mark's report of this event (we'll skip the text about the woman's healing).
Read Mark 5:21-24
and
Read Mark 5:35-43
What did Mark say was the synagogue leader's name?
Mark gives more details about the girl's status – apparently, she was only “almost dead” when Jarius, the father, left to go get Jesus. That would make him even more eager for Jesus to hurry! But what happened while he was away?
When they arrived at Jarius' home, what did they find there?
When someone died during that time, all the neighbors came and mourned together – crying loudly and wailing. Many rich families hired professional mourners who, for a fee, would come and mourn and wail over your great loss. They would usually play very sad songs to add to the mournful atmosphere! What did Jesus tell them?
What was their response?
Why?
Because she was really, really dead and they knew it.
Read Luke 8:40-42
And
Read Luke 8:49-56
Where did Jesus get the power to raise the dead if He was fully human?
Remember that Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit who also guided Him just like the example of the glove and the hand.
I know it's hard but try to imagine being present as these miracles were happening. Sometimes, it helps to imagine them happening in our present world. What if this was a neighbor's child? What would you think or feel if you were sitting in the living room with the mourners? What would you think about this man?
Jesus did things that can ONLY be explained by the presence of God.
Why do you think Jesus wanted the parents to not tell what He had done?
Nobody knows for sure. I agree with some writers who believed that Jesus didn't want people to mob Him with requests for physical healing. He wanted to focus on their spiritual needs.
If indeed Jesus was more concerned about the spiritual than the physical, how much of your prayer time is spent asking for physical needs versus spiritual needs?