Faith in God

A Radical Commitment Illustrated by the Healing of Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:21-43)

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially in our youth when everything seems transient and fleeting, the concept of faith might be regarded with scepticism or seen as a traditional relic. However, the account of the healing of Jairus’ daughter in Mark 5:21-43 invites us to view faith not just as belief, but as a radical, transformative commitment that can steer our lives in remarkable directions.

The story begins with Jairus, a synagogue leader, who comes to Jesus in a state of utter desperation. His daughter is gravely ill, and he falls at Jesus’ feet, pleading for help. Here we see a man of stature humbling himself, displaying a vulnerability that youth can resonate with – the courage to seek help in the face of helplessness.

Bold Faith: Pushing Through the Crowd

As Jesus accompanies Jairus, they are thronged by a crowd. In the chaos, a woman suffering for twelve years with a bleed reaches out to Jesus. Her action is emblematic of a faith that is not passive, but active. She doesn’t wait idly; she moves, she pushes, she does whatever it takes to reach Jesus. For young people, this is a profound lesson: faith is not simply about waiting for divine intervention; it’s about taking steps, radical as they may be, toward where we believe we can find help, healing, and wholeness.

Delayed but Not Denied: Trusting in God’s Timing

The woman’s healing causes a delay. During this time, Jairus receives the news that his daughter has died. Imagine the turmoil of emotions – from hope to despair. Jesus’ response is as radical as the faith He calls for: “Do not be afraid; just believe.” In a culture that often seeks instant gratification, the message for the younger generation is clear: faith trusts in God’s timing, even when it doesn’t align with our immediate desires.

The Laugh of Sceptics: Confronting Doubt with Belief

Upon arriving at Jairus’ house, Jesus encounters sceptics who laugh at His assertion that the girl is only asleep. Today, young believers are often faced with similar scepticism or outright ridicule for their faith. Yet, Jesus dismisses the doubters to create a space where faith can operate. Sometimes, faith requires creating distance from negativity and disbelief to focus on what we know to be true and powerful.

A Radical Awakening: Faith Bringing Life

Finally, Jesus takes the girl by the hand and tells her to get up. She rises, not just to life, but as a testament to the radical faith exhibited by her father. Young people today can draw from this that our faith, no matter how radical it seems, has the potential to awaken new realities, to breathe life into what was once dead, be it dreams, aspirations, or even a sense of purpose.

Conclusion: A Call to a Radical, Life-Changing Faith

The narrative of Jairus’ daughter is more than a miracle; it’s a blueprint for a faith that is alive, aggressive, and awe-inspiring. It calls on the young to not be passive bystanders but active participants in their spiritual journey. To believe with a faith so radical, it can often feel counter-cultural. It challenges us to trust in the face of despair, to take action amidst obstacles, and to expect the extraordinary from God.

Remember, to walk in this radical faith, we are called to step out of the boat, to face the winds and waves, confident that if we reach out, we will indeed touch the hem of His garment.