Mourners and Mockers

Once a man named Jairus came to Jesus and asked him to heal his sick daughter.  As they made their way to his house, a messenger came bearing bad news:  the twelve-year-old girl had died.  "Do not trouble that Master any more," was the suggestion.  What more could Jesus do now?  Jesus told Jairus, "Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole."  They continued their trek to the house of Jairus.

When they arrived at the residence, many mourners wailed the passing of the girl.  Luke 8:52-53 says, "Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." ⁵³ And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead."  The KJV says the mourners "laughed Jesus to scorn," knowing she was dead.  They knew a dead body when they saw one!  Who was this man who suggested they should cease mourning?  If she wasn't breathing, how could she be sleeping?  His suggesting was insulting and offensive.  They did not know it yet, but it was the mourners who were the offenders.  They insulted Jesus with their mockery, for they did not believe Jesus had power over death.

The mourners wailed over the girl's death, but Jesus was in the home to restore life.  They believe mourning was a more valid response than to suggest the girl merely slept.  Jesus, being God, was able to discern the truth concerning the girl's condition.  She appeared dead and lifeless, but it was not a time to sorrow for Jesus Christ had come.  Her permanent condition could be reversed because Jesus had the power to do whatever He wants.  After sending out the mourners turned mockers, Jesus took the little girl by the hand and told her to rise.  Her eyes opened and she stood up!  It was a remarkable display of the power of Jesus Christ to save, even when hope seemed an impossible dream.

How many times do we mourn because we do not believe anyone - even God - has the power to redeem or restore the situations we face!  This event proves even death is not a problem when the Resurrection and the Life is in the house.  If Jesus is our Saviour we are more than conquerors through Him.  The mourners and mockers were thrown out and did not see the miracle.  That is true for us as well.  Whether we mourn or mock in disbelief, insulted at the prospect of hope or restoration, we will not experience the power of God working in our lives.  How important it is we believe and trust, knowing that Jesus is able to accomplish what concerns us today according to God's perfect will.