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(i) The Ruler of the Synagogue begs Jesus to Hurry to His House (Mark 5:21-24)
MARK 5:21-24
21 When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea. 22 Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, 23 and begged him much, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.” 24 He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides.
With his power, Christ gives us hope in the midst of diseases, in the eruption of natural disasters, and in the temptations of unclean spirits, for Jesus is triumphant over all destroying powers. He is the Lord who also prevails over death, for no one overcomes this fearful ghost except God who is life itself. Jesus is confirmed in his unity with his heavenly Father, therefore he is the true Life-Giver. He has proved his glory in raising the dead in us as a living hope.
The spies authorized by the chief priests in Jerusalem declared the order to arrest Jesus publicly, and called him a false prophet and a misleader of the nation. Nevertheless, the ruler of the synagogue came to him from Capernaum, for his family was distressed because of his daughter’s illness. Her nearness to death moved him to seek the Savior. This ruler believed in Christ’s power and glory, and threw himself down at his feet before the multitudes. Jesus did not stop him, for they both knew the meaning of worship. This Jewish believer fell down before the Nazarene in public, for he knew him as Christ the Son of God, and begged him earnestly to cure his dying daughter, who was in the very last stage of her illness. Christ allowed such worship of himself, for God alone is to be worshiped.
By falling down before Jesus, the ruler of the synagogue admitted that Jesus is the true Lord to whom alone worship is proper by all men.
Jesus accompanied this believer, who declared his trust openly, and admitted that the powers of life flow out of Christ to whoever touches him.
The multitudes watched, and sensed a great miracle. They wondered if Jesus would heal the ruler’s daughter! If the kingdom of God would enter into the center of the Torah through their rulers’ faith! If a spiritual revival would take place in the synagogue of Capernaum and its surroundings, in spite of the spies who came from Jerusalem! The multitudes crowded to see the works of Jesus in the midst of accusation and persecution.
Dear brother, do you come quickly to Jesus, to know his person, hear his word, and seek his Holy Spirit that you may experience his miracles today?
PRAYER: O Lord Jesus, you are the true God who forgives, heals, saves, and gives life. I worship you, and commit my life into your hands. Forgive my sins, bring me to living faith, and establish me in the love of your life that I may not depart from the hope of your covenant, but confess your powers before all men. Amen.
QUESTION:
- Why did Jesus allow the ruler of the synagogue to fall down before him?