Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.” — Mark 5:22-23, NLT
Not every religious leader found fault with Jesus. Jarius, for example, not only listened to this out-of-town teacher, but also the leader of the synagogue rushed to the healer with an urgent plea that brought the frightened dad to his knees: “Save my girl!”
Jarius never says, “Hurry!” However, I get the sense that everything about this dash to the Jesus is the opposite of nonchalant. There isn’t time to waste. There isn’t time to lose.
We don’t know what Jarius’s reaction is when Jesus stops to find and address the one who had touched the hem of His robe. Maybe this was an exciting moment for this religious man. After all, we preachers are always looking for true life stories to share.
I don’t get this impression. Instead, I imagine Jarius has a look of panic on his face, or at least notable worry. “What? This? Now?”
Then messengers arrive. Messengers he knows. These carriers of news aren’t smiling. In fact, from their expressions, Jarius may know his daughter has died before they say a word.
Now what?
Now Jesus is really Jesus. He’s the Jesus we can’t prod, prompt or even push.
The look Jesus gives Jarius is one I can see. I imagine you can see it, too. Jesus’ love, light and compassion tells Jarius that what he did in coming to Jesus was good—so very, very good. The look also says what Jesus will do next is even far, far better than saving a sick child. Jesus is going to raise a dead child.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, we have all asked with urgency, “Now what?” Let our dashes to You become dances with You because the faith Jarius has is the faith we can have, too. And yes, something far, far better is coming—eternal life. Amen.