all eyes on jesus | the only hope

One of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing[a] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”  Overhearing[a] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader... he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. Mark 5:21-42, NIV, condensed

In this story we encounter two individuals, Jairus and an unnamed but remarkable woman, who approach Jesus with different needs but share a common thread of faith. Their encounters with Jesus show us the impact of seeing him through the eyes of faith.

Faced with the imminent death of his daughter Jairus, a synagogue leader, sees Jesus as his last hope. Despite his societal status and position of authority, Jairus humbles himself before Jesus, falling at his feet. In doing so, he acknowledges Jesus as more than just a miracle worker but as the source of life itself. Jairus sees Jesus through the lens of faith, recognising that only Jesus has the power to heal and restore his dying daughter.

At the same time, the unnamed woman, who has suffered for twelve years from debilitating bleeding, sees Jesus as the embodiment of hope and healing. She sees beyond the crowds and societal norms, perceiving Jesus as the answer to her long-standing affliction. Her faith is displayed in a simple touch of his garment.

Both Jairus and the woman help us understand that seeing Jesus involves recognising his divine authority, submitting to his power, and trusting in his ability to bring about significant change. Jairus, despite his standing in society, and the woman, shunned by the community due to her condition, find common ground at the feet of Jesus.

Let’s pray
Lord, help me see you clearly through the eyes of faith. I humble myself before you today, recognising your authority and that you are the giver of abundant life. Help me to believe that my faith has the potential to bring about miracles and healing beyond my wildest expectations. Amen.