Archive for February 8th, 2012
February 12, 2012: Jesus Heals Jairus’s Daughter
The text for this lesson is Mark 5:21–24, 35–43.
Key Point
- Just as Jesus by Word and touch raised the dead girl to life, so by His divine Word, Baptism, and Supper, He kills and buries death and raises us to life eternal.
- Law: For I have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; therefore I deserve death, the required price for sin.
- Gospel: Jesus, the God-man, is life. The killer of death and the giver of life, He gives me life eternal through His Word and Sacraments.
Discussion Points
- Has a child or young person close to you ever died or suffered a severe or chronic ailment? How did you feel to see this suffering in youth? Is this more difficult than the death of a loved one who has lived to a good old age?
- What is Jairus’s title? What exactly does he do when he meets Jesus? What does this tell you about Jesus’ reputation and standing in the Jewish community at that time?
- What do the comments of those from Jairus’s house indicate? How does Jesus counter their misunderstanding? Upon what is Jesus relying to strengthen Jairus?
- What can you say about the people “weeping and wailing loudly”? Why are they doing this? How do Jesus’ question and comment counter this commotion?
- Think about other miracles Jesus performs and who observes them. For examples, look at Mark 3:1–6; 7:32–37; and John 11:33–46. Why does Jesus here send everyone outside and take only the mother, father, and His closest disciples?
- Compare the healing of the woman with the twelve-year flow of blood (especially verses 25–26) with the healing of this girl who was twelve years old. What is the relationship, keeping this number twelve in mind?
- What did Jesus “charge” them with and tell them to do after the girl arose? Why did Jesus tell them to give her something to eat? Compare this with Acts 9:17–19.
- Without a doubt, it is difficult for us today to face the suffering or death of a child, just as it was for Jairus. Yet Jesus, before He does anything, tells Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe.” What is your reaction to these words? Are they a comfort? How is the sermon in the Divine Service like these words of Jesus?
- Do you remember the explanation to the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed? What does it say about the resurrection? See 1 Corinthians 15:45–50. How is the Holy Spirit involved in the resurrection?
