Week 3 - Jairus Part 1

Over the next three weeks, I want us to take a look at a ruler in the Bible by the name of Jairus.

In Luke 8:41-56, we read the account of the ruler Jairus and his 12 year old daughter. The Greek definition of the term ruler as Jairus was described in verse 41 means that he was, “a first (in rank or power), a chief. Keep this in mind as we look closer at these scriptures.

Jairus’ daughter was very ill, even to the point of death. Like any loving parent of a sick or hurting child, Jairus was doing any thing he could for his daughter. Being the political authority that he was, I’m sure he had already spent loads of money on the best doctors and medicines of the day but to no avail. Now, he had personally come to Jesus to seek help and healing on her behalf during this desperate hour. No doubt, by his actions, he had heard of Jesus’ miracles and perhaps had even seen him perform some of them. Notice that he did not send a hired servant to fetch the Lord; he went personally. I believe this showed his love and sincere need of help for his daughter. He realized without Christ’s help, his daughter had no hope. So, in one final attempt, he sought the famed man Christ. Now I don’t know much about Jairus’ spiritual condition; the Bible does not elaborate on that. However, it does show us that Jairus respected Christ enough to fall at his feet and beg him greatly for his help, thus assuming a posture of humbleness and worship. Look back at the Greek explanation of ruler as used here. Jairus was first in rank or power and now look at his present posture. Here he was a chief in the political realm and yet none of his power or prestige mattered when it came to his little girl. His pride was shot, his heart was humbled, and he was in need of the Great Physician. Oh, what a precious picture that is here portrayed. The Bible tells us in James 4:10 to, “Humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” Why? Because He also tells us that, “…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) Jairus had assumed the position of ultimate humility for someone of his rank. He was bowing and begging and don’t you know Jesus was willing and ready to bestow some almighty grace and lift up this humbled man. Oh, just take a moment and let the awesomeness of that scene sink into your soul. Have you ever been so humbled by a situation that you needed the merciful hand of Christ to reach down and lift you up to your feet again? If you are a Christian, there has been at least once when the Savior did this for you…when you turned to Him alone for your salvation. Take time today to thank Him for that wonderful turning point in your life. If you are currently going through a desperate situation, perhaps its financial, or physical, or maybe even a situation with a loved one, humble yourself before the Lord and rest assured, “He shall lift you up.”


Monday: Read and study Luke 8: 41-56

Tuesday: Read and study Matthew 9: 18-26

Wednesday: Read and study Mark 5:21-43

Thursday: Compare and contrast the accounts of the past three days’ readings.

Friday & Saturday: Memorize Luke 8:50

References
KJV Hebrew & Greek Key Word Study Bible, 1991, AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN