Why love Jesus?

Be Healed; Beheld

Mark 5:21-43

    Why do you love Jesus? If I were to ask each one of you that question, I would probably get half a dozen answers. One of those answers would probably be: Because He loves me.

    When you think about the miracles Jesus performed, clearly they show that Jesus is the Son of God. But the miracles also give us a glimpse into the character and nature of the Son of God - that He is love…

MIRACLE #1 - SCENE 1 - 5:21-24:

    Jairus shows his great faith in Jesus, for what else would compel a loving father to leave the deathbed of his only daughter? He had heard of Jesus. He knew Jesus to work miracles. He knew Jesus to be a man of love. So, he went with high hopes and great expectations. Jesus left with him, always ready to bless others.

MIRACLE #2 - 5:25-34:

    This woman is in such a contrast with Jairus. He has a name. She is nameless. He has authority as a synagogue ruler. She would have been a social outcast. He was probably wealthy. She was poor - having spent all her money on doctors trying to get well. But Jesus’ love knows no bounds.

    When Jesus asks “Who touched Me?”, the disciples kind of say to Jesus (vs 31) - “That’s a dumb question.” But the woman, fearing and trembling (no doubt at the power of Jesus she had just experienced), came to Him and confessed the “whole truth.” That’s what Jesus wanted the crowd to hear (cf. Luke 8:47).

    This testimony on her part was for the benefit of: 1.) The woman herself, to come to know Jesus better than just a miracle worker; 2.) The crowd, that they might glorify the Father who had given such power to Jesus; 3.) Jairus, whose own daughter would die while he was away from her bedside; 4.) The disciples, who could grow in their faith in Jesus Christ; 5.) For you and me, so we can likewise trust in Jesus for blessings now and in the hereafter.

MIRACLE #2 - SCENE 2 - 5:35-43:

    Let’s not forget about Jairus! I guarantee you Jairus has not forgotten about his daughter! While Jesus was still speaking, a messenger comes to the synagogue ruler and tells him his daughter has died. Sadder news could not have been delivered. His heart, no doubt sank. His eyes filled with tears. His shoulders slumped. But the Son of Love says to him, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” Jesus has just stopped a disease that would cause death; He surely has the same power to reverse death!

    Touching the dead body, He said, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” Earle (38) suggests these words were said by the mom each morning when she awakened the girl. She got up, began to walk and everyone was “completely” astounded!

    This, and other, miracles of healing show us:

    1. Jesus’ power over diseases.

    2. Jesus’ power over death.

    3. Jesus’ love & compassion.

    4. Jesus’ impartiality.

    Jesus will cure all our diseases, including our mortality, one day. Come to Him and let Him touch you.

--Paul Holland