THE KING’ S BUSINESS
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in the Jewish Church. His associates had ■little use for Christ. This did npt count with Jairus. Crushed by his sorrow, human help at an end, he fled to Jesus. Notice how Jairus came to Christ, or we might say how Jairus prayed: (1) Humbly. He didn’t care who looked on. He didn’t care where he was. Among ' the croiyd in the open, he fell to the ground at Christ’s feet, his pride in the dust (2) Earnestly. He “besought Him greatly.” Dead in earnest, he wanted this one thing with all his heart. (3) Definitely. He didn’t palaver with big words and fine phrases. He told Christ in a few words definitely his needs. (4) Believingly. Jairus did not pray: Perhaps, maybe, or I’m hop ing that Thou canst help her, Lord, but “ Come—and she shall live.” The one thing you like, is to have your friends place con fidence in you, rely upon you, believe that you will not fail them. Christ likes it too. It surely rejoiced His heart to see Jairus so expectant o f Him. What did Christ do? He never refuses any one who calls Him to “come” . Espe cially is He touched by deep grief or need. Recall his answering a mother for an only son (Luke 7 :12) and sisters for an only brother (John 11:1). Delay. Imagine the joy with which Jairus started for home with Christ. But observe how Christ honored him by testing him. A great crowd followed, some for his help, others to see what new thing He would do. Jairus might have reasoned: Why does Christ halt and parley with the crowd which jostled Him on all sides, as to just “ who touched His clothes?” While the woman might not be well, could she not easily have waited till another time? Delay meant death to his beloved daughter. Yet Faith Tested, vs. 35-40. 1.
Jairus does not show the slightest impa tience or anxiety. 2. Message (v. 35). it appears that Mrs. Jairus and the home folks had little sym pathy with his errand to Jesus, for they summon him home promptly after the girl’s death. Doubtless Jairus was staggered. “I f only Christ had hurried. But it’s all too late now.” Observe Christ’s steadying words o f reassurance. “Fear not, only'believe.” 3. Scene at the house. Upon reaching the home they found the customary hired mourners beating their breasts, playing flutes and wailing loudly. What startling statement did Christ make? (v. 39). Lit tle wonder that onlookers laughed scorn fully, for there lay the dead child. Com mon sense, reason and experience contra dicted Christ’s Words. Which should be believed? Which did Jairus believe? Rea son may lead one far astray but simple dependence upon the W ord o f God will always be rewarded. What did Christ do with these mockers? Why? Faith Rewarded. Christ took her by the hand and said, “Little maid, arise.” He longs to take every one o f us by the hand and lift us from whatever is holding us down. Some have the notion that with good environ ment, culture and will power, we can lift ourselves. Can a leopard change his spots? Christ alone can lift those dead in sin into new life. Observe the girl “ arose and walked,” well and strong. Christ goes all the way in meeting our need “ exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). ' It was Jairus’ faith for his daughter which saved her. Daughter, is your faith saving father, mother, sisters and friends? “According to your faith be it unto you.” Could this girl ever forget what Christ had done-for her? Has she more ta praise God for than have you?
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