An important lessons for us. Where faith is there, no matter how small - he responds to it - where it is weak, misdirected, hesitant - he strengthens it. He calls us and challenges us to grow stronger in our faith.
Setting: Jesus had been away across the lake. Returning to his base in Capernaum. People waiting on the shore. People who had witnessed his ministry in the lives of others. People with needs of their own - that they believed Jesus could help them.
Two people in particular watched for his arrival. Both anxiously awaited Jesus' expected coming. How long? One a sense of urgency - his beloved 12 year old seriously ill. The other had carefully planned to be as lttle noticed as possible. Their stories intertwine.
Finally she Came forward in fear and trembling and found there was no need to fear: "Daughter" - a personal relationship "Your faith made you well" It was not her touch, but her faith / and not garment's intrinsic power, but Lord! - his personal response to her personal faith - "Go in peace" healed her soul as well.
Importance of profession and public thanksgiving: A full circle is required here: Psa 50:15: "Call upon me in the day of trouble; will deliver you, and you will glorify me." cf. Romans 10:9
Then comes the test.Word comes: "She's dead ... Why bother Jesus any longer" ... what limits our faith? Doubt, resources? Now believing in the impossible is demanded. The delays in God's providence, Jesus now uses to demand a much greater faith.
Jairus was tested several times: 1. Delay with the Woman 2 "She's dead" message 3. Crowd of professional-Mourners (Everyone was certain of her death) and they just laughing at Jesus.
Asked to believe Jesus' assurances: 1 Jesus went with him ... 2 "Fear not, only believe" ... 3 "She is not dead, but asleep".
Faith - trusting God for what we can't see. Nothing impossible. Moving mountains. He can do it.
Why did they hesitate to come directly, immediately to the Savior? What barriers did they perceive held them back.
The Woman: Her faith was strong but misdirected.
Look how richly Jesus responded to her needs. Healing. Both of Body and soul. Vs. 34 "Daughter, Your faith has made you well. Shalom". Not just her infirmity, but her heart was healed. Full and rich redemption. compassion /love and no concern is unimportant. But much more the signif of the relationship with God now made certain.
The child who was clearly dead was well and walking. Had anyone raised from the dead. Christ gives newness of life. Do we hesitate to think He cares, that he will help us, If he is eager to offer us Salvation and eternal life, do we think he doesn't care about our needs and concerns. Or that he is unable to deal with the small things. How great is the Lord's compassion: "feed her".
What holds you back from the Savior? Do we sincerely trust the Lord - do we have faith? He can be trusted, and is quite capable. Do we feel too small or insignificant? Jesus' love, expressed on the cross says otherwise. No time for us? Our needs too small for his attention? He ought always to be our first resort!
Are we afraid to act because we believe our faith is weak? Jesus uses our feeble weak steps to make faith grow stronger. Every obstacle, challenge, trial, is an opportunity to take steps of faith.
The woman: She touched his garment in faith. He called for a public faith; a direct confrontation with his person to correct and strengthen her faith, give her greater confidence and assurance. He called her to focus upon Him as a person who loved her. As she took that public step, her faith grew.
Jairus: As a last resort, he approached the Savior for help. Jesus didn't rebuke his slowness, rather responded immediately. But placed him in circumstances that called for the utmost in faith, casting aside of hesitation, several times, resulting in greater trust in Jesus power to do the impossible.
The growth of faith. Each time we become stronger, are ready for even greater challenges. Faith can move mountains, if it draws upon the love and power of the Savior.