Getting to Know Jesus #4

We are nearing the end of Luke 8, where Jesus has intensified His miracles, having just gone across the Sea of Galilee to cast out thousands of demons. 

Verse 40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

Then, after an interruption we will talk about tomorrow, we pick up in verse

49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Jesus had spoken in this synagogue in Capernaum often, indicating this leader must have been open to the Gospel, unlike many of the religious leaders.  When word came that it was "too late", because his daughter had already died, Jesus encouraged him to not give up. The man had Jesus continue His journey. Anyone who was hesitant to believe Jesus could still do something was asked to leave, and a limited audience was left.  Not only did Jesus restrict who witnessed the event, He told those who did see it to not tell what had happened: now show or tell.  Why? Jesus had done miracle after miracle in that town. Those who refused to believe after seeing and hearing the Good News over and over again would not be persuaded by one more miracle. How much have you seen and heard of what Christ has done? Have your grown dull of hearing?  Unable to see what He has put right in front of your face?