Impossible Faith… vs. 18-26

• 1^st – Do not Fear… vs. 18-19
  • Little Girl… vs. 18
    • While He spoke these things to them – behold – a ruler came and worshiped Him saying:
    • My daughter has just died – but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live!
    • While Jesus was teaching the RELIGIOUS leaders about the NEW Covenant….
    • One of the RULERS of the synagogue – whose name was Jairus – Mark 5:22
    • Came and began to WORSHIP [imperfect] – pleading for Jesus to come [imperative]
    • Jairus was risking his POSITION – Jesus was NOT popular with the RELIGIOUS leaders…
    • But he did it for his TWELVE year old daughter – whose name was Talitha [lamb] – Mark 5:41
    • She was very NEAR to the end [τελευτάω] – but she had NOT died yet – Luke 8:42 
  • God of the impossible… vs. 19
    • So Jesus arose and followed him – and so did His disciples!
    • But due to the LARGE crowds – it took time to get there – and a servant came and said…
    • The daughter of Jairus had died – there was no reason for Jesus to come – Mark 5:35-36
    • But Jesus turned to Jairus and said: Do not be afraid – only believe…
    • I am sure Jairus had HUGE doubts – DEATH is not something you can CURE…
    • I also imagine he was UPSET – if only Jesus had come SOONER!
    • When Lazarus was SICK – they sent word to Jesus so He could heal him…
    • But Jesus did not go for TWO days to visit His friend…
    • He intentionally WAITED for Lazarus to DIE – so He could RESURRECT Him!
    • John 11:15 – “I am glad for your sakes that I was not there – that you may believe.”
    • God will let our circumstances go from BAD to WORSE – for one reason…
    • If He saves us from a BAD situation – we might MISS that God is the one who helped us…
    • But if He waits us for things to get REALLY bad – and then He saves us – we KNOW it is Jesus…
    • So the next time things look REALLY bad do NOT fear – only BELIEVE!
• 2^nd – Touching Jesus… vs. 19-22
  • Last Hope… vs. 19
    • Behold – a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years!
    • There was a WOMAN in the crowd who had been SICK for TWELVE years…
    • She had spent ALL of her MONEY on doctors trying to find a cure – Mark 5:26
    • But rather than get BETTER – she was WORSE off than when she started…
    • She had tried everything else – in desperation she finally came to Jesus…
    • But note – if she did NOT have the sickness – she would NEVER have looked for Jesus!
    • When we face PROBLEMS – it seems we look to EVERYWHERE else first…
    • Only in desperation – when all else FAILS – do we finally turn to Jesus…
    • But the REASON why God allows TRIALS is to cause us to LOOK to Him…
    • So we get to see Him do the IMPOSSIBLE – learn that He is the ANSWER!
  • Hem of His Clothes… vs. 19-20
    • [She] came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.
    • For she said to herself: If only I may touch His garment I shall be made well!
    • The WOMAN came up BEHIND Jesus – wanting to TOUCH the hem of His clothes…
    • She kept saying [imperfect] to herself – if she could just touch the hem she would be healed…
    • The hem of a Jewish shirt is very SPECIAL – it has FOUR blue tassels hanging from it…
    • They were meant to REMIND the people about the WORD of God…
    • The WOMAN wanted to touch the part of His clothes that represented the Bible…
    • She had tried her OWN way – now she was turning to the WORD!
    • Numbers 15:38-39 – “Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach the tassels at each corner with a blue cord.  The tassels will remind you of the commands of the LORD – that you are to obey his commands instead of following your own desires and going your own ways – as you are prone to do.” [NLT]
    • Every tried walking late at night – in the DARK – without a flashlight…
    • We will get lost – or we might end up falling and getting hurt!
    • The WORD is the LIGHT that shows us how to walk in a DARK world…
    • When we are confused – and do NOT what do – the ASNWERS are in the WORD!
    • Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
  • Power… vs. 21-22
    • Jesus turned around – and when He saw her He said:
    • Be of good cheer daughter – your faith has made you well.
    • And the woman was made well from that hour!
    • When the WOMAN touched Jesus – immediately she was HEALED – Mark 5:29
    • But Jesus felt POWER [δύναμις] leave Him – and asked WHO touched Him…
    • His DISCIPLES argued it was a LARGE crowd – LOTS of people touched Him…
    • But the WOMAN came to Jesus trembling in FEAR – confessed she was the ONE…
    • Then Jesus said – be COMFORTED because your FAITH has made you WELL [perfect]
    • WELL [σῴζω] – 110x in NT – almost always translated as SAVED!
    • Sometimes we get the feeling we are LOST in the crowd – that God does NOT see us…
    • But God NEVER takes His eyes off of us – He is always right there waiting…
    • As we LOOK for the Lord – look to His WORD – He LOOK for and finds us…
    • And He does not just take care of our PROBLEM – He SAVES us from our SIN!
    • I Peter 3:12 – “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous – and his ears are open…”
• 3^rd – Just Sleeping… vs. 23-26
  • Mocking Jesus… vs. 23-24
    • When Jesus came into the house – and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing.
    • He said to them: Make room for the girl is not dead – but sleeping. And they ridiculed Him!
    • When Jesus came into the house of Jairus – it was a FUNERAL…
    • There were musicians playing [solemnly] – and people weeping [loudly]
    • Jesus told them to get OUT [imperative] – Talitha was NOT dead – she was just SLEEPING…
    • And the crowd MOCKED [imperfect] Jesus – they KNEW the girl was DEAD!
    • When Elisha the prophet was in Sidon at the house of a widow – her son DIED…
    • But the prophet prayed – and God brought the boy back to LIFE – I Kings 17:22
    • It is easy for us to DOUBT what we have NEVER seen…
    • We can look at the circumstances and conclude it is IMPOSSIBLE…
    • Jesus had given us VICTORY over DEATH – I Corinthians 15:57
    • But if we do NOT know His WORD – we will NOT have FAITH – and miss out on the miracles…
    • It has been said SEEING is believing – but that is NOT true…
    • It is when we BELIEVE God can do the IMPOSSIBLE – that we get to SEE!
  • The Miracle… vs. 25-26
    • But when the crowd was put outside – He went in and took her by the hand and the girl arose.
    • And the report of this went out into all that land!
    • Only the PARENTS – and THREE disciples were allowed in [Peter – James – John] – Luke 8:51
    • Jesus took the hand of the GIRL – and said to her in Arabic – Talitha cumi [arise]
    • And the GIRL got up – and she was given some food to eat [prove she was not a spirit]
    • When Tabitha died – the church called for Peter to come – Acts 9:38
    • If I was Peter – I would have come to COMFORT the church for their loss…
    • But Peter came and PRAYED for Tabitha to come back to LIFE – and she DID…
    • Why did Peter believe she could be resurrected – because he had seen it before!
    • Our faith GROWS as we spend time in the Word – Romans 10:17
    • Our faith GROWS by spending time with Jesus so we can SEE…
    • We can SEE Him provide – SEE Him heal – SEE Him do the impossible…
    • It is not that we have great FAITH – we just have SEEN that Jesus is FAITHFUL!
  • Twelve years…
    • Nothing is by accident or coincidence in the Bible – why TWELVE years…
    • The daughter of Jairus was a young girl full of life who died suddenly at TWELVE years old…
    • The WOMAN had suffered for those same TWELVE years without the hope of a cure…
    • TWO very DIFFERENT circumstances – but they both found the SAME answer – Jesus!
    • There is no end to the variety of challenges and trails that we face in life…
    • If we asked around – everyone of us has our own story…
    • Even though there are MANY trials – there is only ONE answer – Jesus!

• 2^nd – Persistent Faith… vs. 27-31
  • 1^st – Blind Men… vs. 27-28
    • Son of David… vs. 27
      • When Jesus departed from there two blind men followed Him.
      • Crying out and saying: Son of David – have mercy on us!
      • When Jesus came out of the house of Jairus – two BLIND men began [aorist] to follow Him…
      • They were YELLING [present] at Him – have MERCY [imperative] on us Son of David…
      • Son of David – is a MESSIANIC title – II Samuel 7:11
      • They HEARD what Jesus had already done that day – the PARALYTIC – the WOMAN – TALITHA
      • And they were hoping the MESSIAH [Christ] could also HEAL them!
        
    • Following Jesus… vs. 28
      • And when He had come into the house – the blind men came to Him!
      • One has to ask – how did BLIND men manage to FOLLOW Jesus into a house…
      • This no doubt took a LOT of persistence – they could NOT see where they were going…
      • They had to bump their way through the CROWD – listening to Jesus VOICE!
      • I have noted TWO traits in people God uses in AMAZING ways…
      • They are HUMBLE – they know they NEED to get to Jesus…
      • And they are PERSISTENT – they do NOT stop until they find Him!
      • Having FAITH in Jesus is not something we do ONCE…
      • We may not SEE how God is going to take care of our PROBLEMS…
      • But we KEEP on following the VOICE of Jesus – following His WORD…
      • And we do NOT stop until we get to Him – and He gives us the ANSWER!
  • 2^nd – Do you believe… vs. 28-29
    • Their Words… vs. 28
      • Jesus said to them: Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to Him: Yes Lord.
      • When they got inside Jesus challenged them [it was not a question]
      • You MUST [imperative] believe I have the POWER [δύναμαι] to do this…
      • They answered – YES – confessing that Jesus is the Lord [κύριος]
    • Their Faith… vs. 29
      • Then [Jesus] touched their eyes saying: According to your faith let it be to you!
      • Jesus then touched them saying: Let it be according to your FAITH [πίστις]
      • These men had all the right WORDS – calling Jesus the MESSIAH and Lord…
      • But it was NOT their WORDS that would heal them – it was their FAITH!
      • If I need money – and pray to the LORD to provide…
      • Then go to the BANK and get a LOAN – I cannot blame God for being in DEBT…
      • The hard part about FAITH – is WAITING for God to work!
      • A lot of people will SAY they put their TRUST in Jesus…
      • Then run to every other possible resource to SOLVE their problems…
      • And when things do not work out – they BLAME God for NOT helping…
      • But God does not ACT on our WORDS – He works according to our FAITH!
  • 3^rd – Tell no one… vs. 30-31
    • Their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them saying: See that no one knows it.
    • But when they had departed – they spread the news about Him in all that country!
    • After they were HEALED – Jesus commanded [imperative] them to let NO one knows [γινώσκω]
    • This is a rather SILLY request – BLIND men can now SEE – how could they HIDE that…
    • Which is why after they left – the FAME of Jesus was spread by them…
    • Jesus NEVER wanted people to give GLORY to Him – only to God [though He is God]
    • He did this as an EXAMPLE for us to follow – NEVER touch the GLORY!
    • When God uses us to transform the lives of others – there is a DANGER…
    • We can start to think we are SPECIAL – we might begin to touch the GLORY…
    • But we are not the ones who have the POWER – God is working through us…
    • And we always need to make sure – we always point people back to Jesus!
    • Psalm 115:1 – “NOT to us – but to YOUR name goes all the glory.”

• 3^rd – Silent Faith… vs. 32-38
  • 1^st – Mute man… vs. 32-33
    • Saying nothing… vs. 32
      • As they went out behold they brought to Him a man – mute and demon possessed.
      • When the demon was cast out – the mute spoke!
      • As they were coming out of the house – they brought him a man who was MUTE…
      • MUTE [κωφός] – the word can mean both DEAF and DUMB [unable to speak]
      • The reason was because he was POSSESSED by the DEMON [δαιμονίζομαι]
      • But the moment Jesus CAST [passive] out the DEMON – the man SPOKE!
    • Never in Israel… vs. 33
      • The multitudes marveled saying: It was never seen like this in Israel!
      • The crowd was AMAZED – this had NEVER [οὐδέποτε] been seen in Israel…
      • A lame man walking – the blind seeing – a dead girl coming back to life – not AMAZING…
      • But the CROWD was ASTONISHED by a MUTE who could SPEAK…
      • The reason is because the man did not ASK for help [could not speak]
      • He had no way of telling Jesus what the problem was [demon possessed]
      • But Jesus did not need the man to SPEAK – He knew the problem – and could FIX it!
      • Sometimes we are at a LOSS for words – we do NOT know what to say…
      • But God does not NEED us to SPEAK – He KNOWS what we NEED…
      • And He has the POWER to be able to provide the SOLUTION!
  • 2^nd – Unforgiveable Sin… vs. 34
    • The Pharisees said: He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons!
    • The PHARISEES were JEALOUS – because the people were AMAZED by Jesus [not them]
    • They knew that Jesus was from God – but He threatened their power…
    • Therefore they credited the work of the Holy Spirit to prince [ἄρχων] of demons [satan]
    • They hardened their hearts to the TRUTH – committing the UNFORGIVABLE sin!
    • Matthew 12:31 – “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men – but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.”
    • Knowing the TRUTH about Jesus – and still REJECTING Him – is UNFORGIVABLE…
    • Because there is ONE hope of salvation for us – there is only ONE way to heaven…
    • And if we REJECT the only answer – there is no other way to be FORGIVEN!
  • 3^rd – No Shepherd… vs. 35-36
    • Threefold Ministry… vs. 35
      • Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages – teaching in their synagogues.
      • Preaching the gospel of the kingdom – healing every sickness and disease among the people!
      • We see a SECOND time the THREE fold ministry of Jesus – Matthew 4:23-24
      • TEACHING [διδάσκω] – explaining the Bible to those who were in CHURCH [συναγωγή]
      • PREACHING [κηρύσσω] – to proclaim the Gospel [good news] to those NOT in church…
      • HEALING [θεραπεύω] everyone [πᾶς] who came to Him for HELP!
      • Because when we reach out to HELP [θεραπεύω] people…
      • Then give them the GOSPEL – the good news of Jesus…
      • And teach those who come to CHURCH – the Word of God…
      • The end RESULT – will be multitudes of people who FOLLOW Jesus!
    • Scattered… vs. 36
      • When [Jesus] saw the multitudes He was moved with compassion for them.
      • Because they were weary and scattered – like sheep having no shepherd!
      • When Jesus say the people – He had COMPASSION for them…
      • COMPASSION [σπλαγχνίζομαι] – first time in NT – punch in the stomach [it hurt]
      • WEAK [imperfect] – malnourished – the people were like unfed livestock…
      • SCATTERED [ῥίπτω] – defeated and unprotected – like sheep who had no shepherd…
      • The PHARISEES who were supposed to FEED them the WORD – PROTECT them [shepherd]
      • But they were only looking out for themselves – they did NOT care for the people!
      • When being a PASTOR becomes a job – a way to make MONEY…
      • When a PASTOR is no longer there to FEED and PROTECT the people…
      • When they use the PULPIT as a means for personal gain – taking advantage of people…
      • The result is people are WARY of the CHURCH – the Gospel message becomes tainted…
      • And those PASTORS fall under the JUDGMENT of God – because they abuse HIS sheep!
      • Ezekiel 34:2 – “Destruction is certain for you PASTORS who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Should PASTORS not feed their sheep!”
  • 4^th – Great Harvest… vs. 37-38
    • Then He said to His disciples: The harvest truly is plentiful – but the laborers are few.
    • Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest!
    • Seeing the NEED – Jesus turned to His DISCIPLES:
    • HARVEST is abundant – a world that needs to KNOW about Jesus…
    • LABORERS are few – people willing to go and TELL the world about Jesus…
    • Therefore – PRAY [imperative] – that the Lord [κύριος] of the HARVEST sends out LABORERS!
    • I often get asked if there are any opportunities – needs – in the church…
    • The answer to that question is always INDEED [μέν] – there are LOTS of opportunities…
    • But we do not tell people what to do – because we do not know!
    • There are PEOPLE who are HURTING and need someone to be HEAL them [BSB]
    • There are SINNERS to who are LOST – and need someone to PREACH the Gospel to them…
    • There are BELIEVERS who are HUNGRY – and need someone to TEACH and feed them…
    • The QUESTION is not is there a NEED – the question is what are we called to DO…
    • The ANSWER is we NEED [imperative] to PRAY to the Lord of the HARVEST…
    • So that He can send us out into the FIELDS – He will tell us what we are called to do!

Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I said – Here am I! Send me!”