4. WHEN THE WORST COMES TO THE WORST (Mark 5:21-24 and 35-43)
Background: The ruler of the synagogue was chosen among generally respected townspeople. All the other rulers of the synagogue in the New Testament except Jairus were antagonistic towards Jesus. Jairus had only this one child (Lk 8:42).
1. What may Jairus have thought of God when his only child became ill?
2. Why did Jairus consent to ask for help from Jesus, even though Jesus was not popular in those circles where Jairus belonged to?
What does the way of this request tell us about Jairus (22-23)?
3. What happened in the father’s heart in verse 35?
In what kind of situation have you felt that it is not worth bothering Jesus any longer?
4. Why did Jesus forbid Jairus to be afraid, even though the worst had come to the worst in his situation (36)?
What are you most afraid of in the world? (you can answer silently in your mind)
What if Jesus forbid you to be afraid when your worst fears had come true - what would you think?
5. In what should Jairus have believed even after the girl had died?
What would Jairus have done if he had not had any faith in Jesus?
6. When Jesus arrived at Jairus’ home there appeared to be an atmosphere of mourning and funeral. What did Jesus want to say to the mourners with verse 39?
7. Reflect on this miracle from the girl’s point of view - how did it affect the girl and her future?
How was the parents’ life changed after this incident?
What do you think the Jairus family thought when they later heard rumours about the death and resurrection of Jesus himself?
GLAD TIDINGS: ”Don’t be afraid, only believe!” means in Jesus’ language: ”Leave this in my hands. I am able to take care of it.”
Jesus himself was afraid of only one thing, i.e. separation from his Father. That fear was so serious that he sweat blood in Gethsemane. In this way Jesus showed that separation from the Lord is the only thing that is worth fearing. All other fears Jesus can and wants to change into something good (blessings) in the lives of those who believe in him.
Therefore, some negative thing can in time turn into something positive, for example you have to move house and you lose thus a good mate, but in the new home you get several new ones.
Memory verse: ”Don’t be afraid, only believe!”
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