“some people came from the house of Jairus. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” When they the home of Jairus, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40But they laughed at him. He took the child’s parents and the three disciples and went in where the child was. Jesus took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!“). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.” Mark 5: 35b-43 (Selected verses)

Our life’s journey from despair to deliverance

This coming Sunday’s Gospel lesson focuses on a man named Jairus and his journey from despair to deliverance with Jesus, our Lord of Life. Of course Jairus is not merely a synagogue official who lived over 2,000 years ago. You are a “Jairus” and his historical journey is your journey.

Jairus was in a major crisis, a great trial. Most of us have experienced similar events. Perhaps it is a grave illness or injury of someone we love. Perhaps it is a sudden loss of a job, or of our own health. Perhaps it is a sudden death of a friend or the effects of a sudden storm or natural disaster. Perhaps it is the fear of some catastrophe that looms.

In his crisis Jairus in faith seek Christ Jesus. He pleads for the miraculous healing of his beloved daughter. While human suffering remains a divine mystery, it is a recognizable fact that it sometimes takes a painful crisis to bring us to our Divine Physician, Jesus. Within the midst of the crisis in faith we cry out: “Lord! I really need you! I can’t survive without your intervention.”

Jairus is undergoing such a trial, a test of faith on his life’s journey with Jesus. As Jesus walks with Jairus and us, his spirit summons us to a faith that hold out. Sacred Scripture affirms: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come with the morning light (Psalm 30:3)

Thus we read: “some people came from Jairus’ house, saying “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?” This is the real temptation of “hopelessness.” Sadly, there are many in our life and in this world who not only have no hope, but they insist we dismiss Jesus, that he is of no hope or relevance. Many secularists, themselves having no hope, ridicule believers who do and taunt them to dismiss the Lord and stop praying during their life’ journey.

Jesus says to Jairus and us: “Do not be afraid, just have faith” This is a divine dynamic principle. For the same God, who said: “Let there be light,” and there was light, now says: “Don’t be afraid, but have faith” thus trusting and saving faith is possible for Jairus and for you and me.

In the midst of our despair, God’s Word assures us: “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Is.40:31)

We read: Jesus took the child’s parents and the three disciples and went in where the child was. Jesus took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, rise up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around…

Jairus’ journey with Jesus leads to victory over sin, death, and the power of the devil. And so will ours. Since we are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection, we can prayerful proclaim: “I’ll rise!” n life’s sufferings and sickness … “I’ll rise!” In tragic events…I’ll rise!” Tears in my eyes … “I’ll rise!” Standing at the grave of our loved one…” We’ll rise!”

Jairus’ journey with Jesus was from trial to traveling unto triumph. Our journey with Jairus is our journey with Jesus, the Lord of Life! Amen.

Chopp is a clinical chaplain emeritus, MDiv, BCC, from Marshall