Do not be Afraid; Only Believe
Have you ever received a bad report? It could be a personal health issue or maybe some horrible legislation passing through your state government. It might be bad financial news or word that a beloved child has chosen a precarious path. Whatever it is, it is difficult to keep your equilibrium.
Jarius, a Jewish official, was desperately trying to get help for his daughter. She was near death, and he needed help, NOW. He saw a huge crowd gathered and then saw it was Jesus. He rushed up to Jesus and begged for his help. Immediately, Jesus went with him, and the crowd followed. I’m sure Jarius was hopeful, but then Jesus stopped to find out who touched him. He had felt the power leave him for healing. I know I would have struggled. Why did Jesus need to stop and talk with the woman? She had been healed, but did he really need to delay getting to my need so he could verify who was healed? It is so challenging when there is any delay, but to actually see Jesus stop on the way to your house would be unbearable.
He finished with the woman, but at that moment people had come from Jarius’ home to report his daughter was already dead. Jesus overheard the report and told Jarius, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” Mark 5:36. This is good counsel for anytime we are confronted by a bad report with or without a delay.
Jesus only allowed Peter, James, and John to go with him to Jarius’ home. This models for us that we need to be careful about whom we allow to go with us on our journey especially when we are dealing with challenges and what looks like death. Jesus did not judge by what he saw with his eyes or by what he heard with his ears. (Isaiah 11:3) He sought the Father for his view of what He was doing in the situation. When arriving at Jarius’ home, he encountered all these people giving full vent to their emotions over what they saw. He gave them a different narrative and they mocked and ridiculed him. Again, he asked them to leave. When we go counterculture, there may be mocking and ridicule, but we don’t have to let it stop us. Jesus removed everyone except Jarius and his wife, the three disciples and girl that needed healing. He did not want or need an audience. Jarius’ daughter arose and walked.
What can we learn from this encounter? We need to remember during a trial or bad report we need to stay out of fear and only believe. We need to be careful about who we walk with and who we listen to. Without seeking an audience, we need to get into agreement with what God is trying to do in us, for us and through us.