Jairus’ Daughter

Introduction:

1. Few things touch our hearts as deeply as either the misfortune or success of a child.

2. The story of Jesus’ raising up a lifeless little girl does indeed touch our hearts, but it also teaches us some exceedingly valuable lessons.

I. The Entreaty (21-24)

A. Selfishness dies only when something valued greater than self is at stake (Isa. 6:8-13).

B. When we see our true selves, we realize how helpless we are and how powerful God is (Ps. 8:1-5).

II. The Interruption (25-34)

A. Faith becomes great in the company of humility (I Tim. 1:15).

B. Humility must not, however, cause us to cower in God’s presence—we are children (Rom. 8:15).

C. The Lord eagerly waits to help those who ask of Him (Matt. 7:7-11).

D. Jesus often found great faith among very “ordinary” people (Mk. 12:41-44).

III. The Resurrection (35-43)

A. Jesus is never “troubled” by our needs (Matt. 11:28-30).

B. The world will often scoff at a true view of God (II Pet. 3:3-6).

C. A trust in God will, however, defeat opposition (Rom. 8:31-39).

D. For Jesus, it was as easy to raise the dead as to wake a little girl from sleep!

E. Amid the amazing attributes of God is found His desire for us to attend to practical, daily concerns (Lk. 16:9-11).

Conclusion:

1. May we come to see God’s will as our most pressing concern.

2. May we combine faith, humility, and childlike affection in our service to the Father.

3. May we overcome opposition, stand in awe of God, and be about the Father’s business as we boldly stand for the Master.

Edwin

8/26/01