agri.church

We’re in Mark 5 this week. About half way through the chapter a massive crowd has (again) gathered around Jesus. They have heard the things he has been doing and saying and so they come - either out of curiousity or need - they come. It is in the midst of all this noise and commotion that a man by the name of Jarius falls at Jesus’ feet. His daughter is dying and he needs Jesus to come to his home to heal her. Jesus agrees and immediately they leave. While they are on their way some people from Jarius’ home arrive with the worst news. His daughter is dead. No need to bother the teacher now, they say. It’s too late.

But Jesus turns to Jarius and says: “Don’t listen to them; just trust me.”

If I had been Jarius I’m not sure if I would have been able to do that. Out of all the voices in my head, I’m not sure I could have believed the one voice that sounded different from all the rest. Would you have been able to?

I mean, the people who delivered the news were likely Jarius’ friends or family. Why would they lie to him about this? Exactly - they wouldn’t. She was dead. This was no joking matter. And then when they reach his home, all those who are gathered are wailing and weeping. Why? Because she is dead. There was nothing to argue about - nothing to do. It was over.

“Don’t listen to them; just trust me.”

Today, I invite you to ask these questions with me: who am I listening to?

Whose voice has my ear?

Do I believe Jesus’ words to me, even if they sound different from all the rest?