Adam, Zac, Hayley, Jessica,

Sorry for being late here – I tried to write this up Saturday, but wasn’t able to finish before we had to head out for a camping trip (we spent Sat night at Deception Pass).

“Who then is this?”

Faith that Defies Defeat

This is what they call a “Markan Sandwich” – like the explanation of the purpose of parables in 3:10-13, which is sandwiched between the parable of the Sower/Soils, here the healing of the woman with the menstrual hemorrhage is sandwiched between the story of Jairus’ daughter. Her story is the key to understanding Jairus’ story. Both are in a situation of desperation, but the woman has faith that believes and compels her to push through the crowd and touch Jesus. Jairus is surrounded by voices that have given up hope and needs to hear Jesus voice speaking through the crowd: “Don’t be afraid, only believe”. In a beautiful reversal, Jairus – the respected synagogue leader – needs to turn to this unclean woman who is not even allowed in the temple as his example of faith in Christ.

I love Jesus words here, coming just in time to Jairus over the sounds of the crowds and the report of his attendants. They are a lifeline in a sea of despair. While we wouldn’t choose to be in a hopeless situation, if and when we are, may we cling to Jesus words, as Jairus did, so we don’t lose hope.

Prophet without Honor

As Jesus comes through Nazareth, we have to remember that His mother and brothers had recently come to “take charge of Him” because they thought He had clearly lost it. We have no record that they try again, but their general attitude toward Him is the same. Jesus’ comment on being “without honor” begins with the town and culminates with His immediate family – and we know from other passages that His brothers didn’t believe in Him before the passion week. It’s very odd for these Jews to call Him the “son of Mary”. It’s likely intended as an insult and could also signify Mary as the more well-known, “go-getter” parent (she was the one who went down to take charge of Him) – or it could signify that Joseph was already in the sickness that led to his death (John 6:42 implies that Joseph is still living). It’s doubtful (but possible) that it is an insult that implies that Jesus was illegitimate – that charge was leveled against Christianity later in response to the teaching of the virgin birth.

It’s striking how essential faith is – and scary how greater faith enabled greater miracles and lack of faith prevented Jesus from doing much. May Jesus be able to do much among us – may He not be crippled due to our lack of faith (knowing of course that Jesus can do anything He wants, but that He has chosen to respond to faith and to not respond to unbelief). I’m afraid that neither our secular environment, nor our skeptical theological stream is much help in this regard.

Jesus, open our ears to Your voice: “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” We are weak in the very area You ask us to be strong… help our unbelief! As Paul, please teach us to lean more heavily on You in our weaknesses and ask for Your strength to be evident in our lives. May You be exalted in us, both in our strengths and our weaknesses. Amen.