“Healing In The Interruptions: Jairus, And A Jilted Woman”

 The Book of Mark:

“Encountering the Miracles and Mission of Jesus Christ”

Introduction:

Good morning brothers and sisters. What a blessing it is to be here with you this morning. This morning, we are in the midst of a new series entitled “The Book of Mark, Encountering the Miracles and Mission of Jesus Christ”. Perhaps no other book captures just that, the mission and miracles of Jesus, better than Mark’s Gospel. Mark’s Gospel really demonstrates Jesus’ love for humanity. Time and time again, story after story, we see Jesus loving the unloved, touching the unclean, speaking to the outcasts, eating with the sinner, and making friends with the undesirable and the undeserving.  Mark’s Gospel really is a beautiful retelling of Jesus’ life, His love of people, and Mark’s Gospel reveals Jesus’ motivation for coming. In fact, it’s the Gospel of Mark, Mark 10:45 (ESV) that remembers Jesus’ words saying…

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This morning, our message is entitled, “Healing In The Interruptions: Jairus, And A Jilted Woman”. Why do I give today’s message that title, “Healing In The Interruptions”? Well, the entire story that I am going to read for you this morning is a story of interruptions. Jesus is interrupted at the start of the story by a large crowd. While Jesus is surrounded by a large crowd, Jesus is interrupted by a desperate man named Jairus. Jesus decides to go with Jairus to help him and on His way, Jairus and Jesus are interrupted by a desperate woman suffering with a disabling disease. 

Interruptions are frustrating. They get in the way. They detract and distract. They pull you from you purpose and mess up your mission. How many of you, before you go to bed, chart out the next day? How many of you work from a “to do list”? How many of you before you put your kids to bed, sit down together and talk about the following day? You try to get your husband on the same page. You try to get your wife on the same page. You do everything you can to communicate and calendar. My family works really hard to plan and prepare but inevitably interruptions creep their way in and pull me, pull you, pull all of us from our carefully curated callings. It makes you want to scream sometime. 

Have you ever heard the statement, “if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans”? Oh all of us have best laid plans. That’s for sure. Jairus had a plan. My daughter is dying. I will go to the Master and He will heal her. The only problem is that Jairus did not factor in the interruption. The bleeding woman had a plan. I will just touch the edge of His garment. She did not factor in Jesus spinning around, demanding who had touched Him. That’s the thing about interruptions. You cannot plan for them but know this…how we handle an interruption reveals a great deal about our character and our faith. 

Today’s Message:

“Healing In The Interruptions: Jairus, And A Jilted Woman”

So, what is today’s message really about? What is the one takeaway point? What is the thesis statement if you will? Well, do me a favor this morning. Fill in the blanks under “Today’s Thought”. Don’t be discouraged! Jesus has dominion over death and disease. That’s good news…amen? Are you discouraged this morning. Feel depressed? Downcast? If that’s you, then today’s message from Scripture is for you. Whatever you are facing, whatever is testing your faith today, Jesus has dominion over those problems. In fact, think of the greatest problem that you have faced in recent history. Whatever it is, Jesus not only is aware of it, but He is on top of it. He is working to bring about something good from it. Either He is making you stronger from that issue or He is drawing you closer to Him from it. 

Today’s Thought:

Don’t Be Discouraged! Jesus Has Dominion Over Death and Disease!

One of my favorite speakers and writers is N.T. Wright. Dr. Wright talks briefly about Jesus’ ability to heal. Maybe that is what you are looking for this morning. Maybe you are seeking healing? Maybe you are desperate like Jairus or seeking answers like the bleeding woman. No matter. Jesus has the power to heal you, help you, and give you hope. Listen to Dr. Wright’s quote this morning. 

"The healing miracles of Jesus were not simply acts of compassion or displays of power. They were signs pointing to a larger reality—that in Jesus, God was breaking into human history to restore and redeem all of creation. These miracles were glimpses of the kingdom of God, where sickness, suffering, and death have no place. Jesus' healings were invitations to participate in this kingdom, to join him in his mission of reconciliation and restoration." 

Today’s Quote:

"The healing miracles of Jesus were not simply acts of compassion or displays of power. They were signs pointing to a larger reality—that in Jesus, God was breaking into human history to restore and redeem all of creation. These miracles were glimpses of the kingdom of God, where sickness, suffering, and death have no place. Jesus' healings were invitations to participate in this kingdom, to join him in his mission of reconciliation and restoration." 

- N.T. Wright

Background and Context:

Before we get started this morning, I want to take a moment and give you the background and context of the Scripture that we are reading this morning. 

Mark 5:21-43 is a passage overflowing with the compassion and power of Jesus Christ. It's one of those passages that truly showcases the heart of our Savior and His willingness to reach out to us in our times of deepest need.

So, picture this scene: Jesus has just crossed over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. As soon as He steps out of the boat, a crowd swarms around Him, eager to see and hear from this miraculous teacher.

Now, in the midst of this bustling crowd, there's a man named Jairus. He's a synagogue leader, a respected figure in the community, and he's in desperate need. His little daughter is sick, gravely ill, and he knows that Jesus is his only hope. So, with faith as his guide, Jairus falls at Jesus' feet, pleading for Him to come and heal his daughter.

And what does Jesus do? He doesn't hesitate. He doesn't turn Jairus away. Instead, He goes with him, ready to bring healing and restoration.

But as they're on their way, something incredible happens. In the midst of this urgent journey, a woman who has been suffering for twelve long years with a debilitating condition, she reaches out and touches the hem of Jesus' garment. And instantly, she is healed!

Now, Jesus could have just kept walking, focused on His mission to heal Jairus' daughter. But instead, He stops. He turns around, seeking out the one who touched Him in faith. And with such tenderness, He calls her "Daughter," affirming her faith and assuring her of her healing.

Can you imagine the impact of these two miraculous healings? 

And then, just when it seems like the story couldn't get any more incredible, Jesus arrives at Jairus' house. Everyone is mourning, weeping for the little girl who they believe is dead. But Jesus, He's not shaken. He speaks with authority, saying, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!"

And she does! Just like that, she rises from her bed, alive and well. Can you imagine the joy, the astonishment, the overwhelming sense of awe that must have filled that room?

My friends, this passage is a powerful reminder of who Jesus is—our healer, our comforter, our restorer. It reminds us that no matter how desperate our situation may seem, Jesus is always there, ready to step in, ready to bring hope and healing beyond our wildest imagination.

So, let’s dive in and read this Scripture together this morning. Mark 5:21-43, reading from the English Standard Version.

Statement of Faith:

We believe the Bible to be inspired, God breathed, infallible, and authoritative. We believe the Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training believer’s in righteousness. God’s Word gives life. It provides peace in trouble and protection in tribulation. It is alive, active, and cuts to the core of the human soul. Since there is no other book like it, let us stand to show our reverence and respect.  

Today’s Scripture:

Mark 5:21-43 ESV

And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. [22] Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet [23] and implored him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live." [24] And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. [25] And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, [26] and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. [27] She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. [28] For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I will be made well." [29] And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. [30] And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my garments?" [31] And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, 'Who touched me?'" [32] And he looked around to see who had done it. [33] But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. [34] And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease." [35] While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" [36] But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." [37] And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. [38] They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. [39] And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping." [40] And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. [41] Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." [42] And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. [43] And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Pastor: “This Is The Word of The Lord”

Congregation: “Praise His Name, Praise His Holy Name”

3 Lessons Learned From Mark 5:21-43

Lesson One: Problems Persist And Are Always Present vs. 21, 22-24, and 25

So, let’s talk about three lessons that we can learn from Mark 5:21-43. Our first lesson, lesson one is that problems persist and are always present. 

That’s the truth…amen? Amen indeed. 

Problems have been around forever and we see that powerfully illustrated in this story. We have lots of problems from the very beginning to the very end. Let’s call them out. Our first problem that we see is the moment that Jesus gets out of the boat. He is surrounded by hundreds, maybe even thousands of people. Problem one, space. Imagine being in Jesus’ shoes. Jesus has just gotten in a boat to have some quiet time, some private time with His disciples, and the moment that He comes ashore, He is surrounded by needy, hungry, and hurting people. Imagine having those demands put on you wherever you go…all the time. It would be exhausting. It makes me even more thankful for Christ. Jesus never gives a hint of frustration with the people that needed Him. He is always patient. He is always kind. He freely gives of Himself. What would be a problem for me Jesus sees as an opportunity. An opportunity to see God the Father working through Him. A chance to glorify the Holy Spirit and a chance to model obedience to the disciples. 

Then there is the second problem. Problem number 2, sickness. We are introduced to Jairus. Jairus was a leader in the synagogue. While the Bible doesn’t specifically say that Jairus was a Pharisee, it is easily understood and assumed. Think about that for a second. Jairus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus. More than that, Jairus fell at Jesus’ feet. This one act tells the tale. The moment that Jairus falls to Jesus’ feet communicates that as far as Jairus was concerned, Jesus was the Master. Jesus is the Teacher of teachers. The Leader of leaders. Notice that Jairus is the lone Pharisee. He is alone. This also speaks volumes. The Pharisees hated Jesus but they did recognize His innate ability to heal. While they may have tried to explain away Jesus’ healings, they still happened all the same. So, when sickness comes and knocks on Jairus’ door in the form of his 12 year old daughter dying, Jairus answers the door by heading to Jesus. Im sure that Jairus tried all that he could. He probably sacrificed. He probably prayed. He probably gave offering after offering. He probably had other religious leaders come and lay hands. None of it was working. He was desperate. He needed answers and he didn’t care where those answers originated. In coming to Jesus, Jairus was resigning from the Pharisee brotherhood. In his eyes, better to be a washed up Pharisee with an alive daughter than a Pharisee in good standing with a child in the grave. Oh friends, sickness and illness is noting new. Sickness and illness do not catch Jesus off guard any more than Jairus’ daughter’s illness. 

Let’s look at our third problem. Problem 3…suffering. Right again, suffering is as old as the fall of man in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3. Suffering has been weaving its wicked thread through the tapestries of our lives for generations. Here were are introduced to this unnamed woman who possessed a disease that caused her to bleed. It is interested by the way that this woman had been suffering from this disease as long as Jarius’ daughter had been alive. 12 years. We are going to look at this woman more closely in our next point. 

Before we get there, I do want to ask you a question. Why? 

Why does God allow us to suffer? Why does He allow sickness, disease, death? This woman had been suffering day in and day out for 12 years. Jairus’ daughter had been suffering to the point of death for an unspecified amount of time. Why?

Suffering often compels individuals to confront their genuine selves. Suffering strips away all the hubris, all the false piety, all the pseudo religious mumbo jumbo. It directs our attention inward, urging us to acknowledge aspects of ourselves we might otherwise overlook. Through suffering, God can shape us into individuals capable of greater love and eternal joy in Him.

Suffering, pain, and sickness is often times the wall that God hangs His most beautiful masterpieces on. Several years ago I visited some missionaries in Paris, France. While we were there we visited the Louvre Museum in the heart of Paris. Naturally we went to see perhaps the most famous pieces of art in the world, the Mona Lisa. 

Everyone was fascinated with the painting. It is said that millions of people take their picture with the Mona Lisa every year. I was struck at how the Mona Lisa was displayed. It is a fairly small painting but it is displayed on a large wall in the middle of the room. The wall goes nearly to the ceiling and stretches probably 20 feet in width. It is a huge wall that displays only one painting. It’s a huge wall that displays only one painting and millions of people gather to appreciate it every year. No one cares about the wall. They just show up for the painting. 

Friends, that is a powerful illustration of our suffering and pain. God hangs His masterpiece of strength, of mercy, of grace, and glory on the wall of our suffering. People gather around to see God when we suffer in His name. If you are suffering today, Im praying for you. It’s not easy. I know. I want to encourage you this morning. God wants to use your pain. He wants to glory in your suffering. 

We know by the way that Jesus suffered. We know that He hurt too. You are not alone. He even told us in John’s Gospel. John 16:33. 

“What Problems Are Presented In Mark 5:21-43?”

Problem 1: Space vs. 21

Problem 2: Sickness vs. 22-24

Problem 3: Suffering vs. 25

John 16:33 AMP

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world." [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Lesson Two: Patience, Christ Is Aware Of Our Pain vs. 30 

So, what is our second lesson? Our second less is that we should be patient, Christ is always aware of our pain. We see this in verse 30.

Mark 5:30 ESV

And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my garments?"

So you know the story. Jesus is begged to come to Jairus’ home. He agrees to go. The crowd is thick. People are pressing in on every side. Remember, in Jairus’ mind, every second counts. As far as he knows, his daughter is breathing her very last breathes. There can be no delay. Just the crowd being the way that it is is trouble for Jairus. 

Then, out of no where, another character is introduced. A woman. We don’t know anything about her really. We know that she had a blood disorder. This disability was something that she had suffered with for 12 years. We know that she must have been a woman of means as she had visited with numerous doctors and physicians to try to find an answer to her problem. All of this to no avail. Doctor after doctor turned her away either with no answers or with no discernible medication. Like Jairus, she was desperate. She was dying. 

Her situation was more grim that you may understand. Blood was considered as ritually and Scripturally unclean in the Old Testament. Her uncleanliness meant that she was unable to enter the temple. She could not worship. She could not make sacrifices. She would have been judged, mocked, and considered an outcast. Notice that she is alone in the crowd. No one was with her. We don’t want to read into the passage but we can assume that her family had cast her out because of the state of her uncleanliness. In order for her to be considered clean, according to Scripture, she would have to not be bleeding for 7 straight days. So, this means that this woman has been living in a constant state of perpetual uncleanliness. Imagine that, not being able to come to church, not being able to worship, being excommunicated from the church and from your family because of something that you cannot control. How frustrating. She must have been so lonely. 

Imagine her pain. Imagine her suffering. Frank Peretti, in his book “The Wounded Spirit” says that…

“God does not waste an ounce of our pain or a drop of our tears; suffering doesn’t come our way for no reason, and He seems especially efficient at using what we endure to mold our character. If we are malleable, He takes our bumps and bruises and shapes them into something beautiful.”

Praise God that that is true then and true today. On the way to Jairus’ house, this diseased woman, this desperate woman touches the edge of Jesus’ robe. 

Mark 5:27-28 ESV

She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. [28] For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I will be made well."

She pushes through the crowd. Can you see it? She is within inches of touching Jesus. She is pushed away. She reaches out with all of her strength. Her finger is able to just scratch the hymn of Jesus’ tunic. Instantly a rush and shock of power courses through her body. She is healed. The blood immediately dries up. Her hemoglobin count returns to normal in a heart beat. Her energy returns to normal because her blood count is back to normal. Her heart beats normally. Oxygen floods every organ. The fog in her mind is lifted. 

Jesus stops. “Who touched my garment?”

Wait, Jesus don’t stop. You’ve got an appointment. Jairus’ timing is now thrown off. God is distracted. God is deterred. Jesus, don’t stop. I need you. You were coming my way and now you have forgotten me. God don’t let me down. 

Ever felt that way? Ever felt that God’s timing is not your timing? I sure have. Imagine being Jairus in that moment! Imagine that desperation. Jesus if you don’t come now, my daughter is going to die. He starts on His way only to stop and have a conversation. 

We have the gift of hindsight don’t we friends. Did Jesus forget about Jairus? Was He really distracted to his plight? Of course not. Jesus is aware of your pain, your desperation as well. He has not forgotten you either. 

Have you ever noticed that Jesus is never late? He is always on time. His timing is not always our timing but no this, His timing is perfect. Be patient. He is aware of your pain. Trust Him. The problem is that most of us trust our feelings, our emotions over what we know, what we believe, in faith. 

The other day I was listening to a sermon and the pastor was talking about his father who was a small time pilot. He enjoyed taking flights, flying little small planes around the county they lived in. This was the story that he told about trusting what you know over trust what you feel. 

“My father, in his youth, carried a pilot's license. Once and a while he would rent a small Cessna and fly around with a couple friends. I once asked him what the hardest part of flying was. He told me that it was trusting in your instruments.

He described what it was like getting caught in a storm and not being able to see. Everything in you wants to look out the windshield and figure out what’s going on, but that is a fatal move. You must fully trust your instruments; they do not lie.

It would seem to me that this is very similar to living a life of faith. We are called to trust not in our feelings but rather in the unseen God who does not lie.”

What do we know? We know that God loves us and Jesus is never late. 

Psalm 34:18 ESV

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Lesson Three: Peace, Jesus’ Power Displayed In Our Suffering vs. 41

So, here is our last point this morning. Lesson three. Lesson thee is that we should be at peace. Jesus’ power is displayed in our suffering. 

Go back and read verse 41.

Mark 5:41-42 ESV

Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." [42] And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

If there is one lesson that we you might feel that I am hammering home, week after week, you are probably beginning to understand that no matter our storm, no matter the problem, no matter the trial, we should be at peace. 

Jairus should be at peace, his daughter is safe. Why? Because Jesus is there. 

The woman stricken with a blood disorder should be at peace. Why? Because Jesus is there. 

What about the disciples? Remember when their boat was sinking? They should have been at peace. Jesus was at peace. So should they. They should be at peace. Why? Because Jesus was there. 

What about the friends who lowered their friend through Jesus’ roof? They should have been at peace. Why? Because Jesus is there. 

If Jesus is there, if He is with you, then you should be at peace. 

Poor Jairus. You can almost hear his voice. You can hear how broken he is when he hears that his daughter has died. 

I’ll never forget October 26th 2010. That is the day that Cole Ellis died. He was in 8th grade and he committed suicide. It was a Tuesday. That Sunday we had had a fellowship at Cole’s house. Over 100 students packed into their home to eat pizza, hamburgers, and Coca Colas. He was an all American kid. An outdoorsman. In fact, Cole told me that he was going to take me hunting. Two days later, he would be gone. I will never forget that moment that I drove up into his driveway. Not even an hour after his passing. I’ll never forget his father’s reaction. His son was gone. The pain and anguish is something that you cannot forget. 

When I think about Jairus, this is what I picture. You can’t hear it in Scripture. You cannot hear his pain and you can’t get a sense of his anguish. 

Mark 5:35 ESV

While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?"

This is the worst news that anyone can ever hear. “Your son…your daughter is gone.”

Contrasted to Jairus is Jesus’ reaction. Where Jairus despairs, Jesus displays assurance. Where Jairus is shattered, Jesus is confident. God will be glorified in the tragic. Good will come. God will be seen. 

Jesus, after being delayed makes His way to the home. He says to her, “Little girl, I say to you, arise”. Some of your translations say “daughter” instead of “little girl”. This is the only time in all of Scripture where Jesus says this phrase. The little girl arises and starts walking. She has been reborn, remade, and rejuvenated. She is whole. She is healthy. 

Jesus changes everything. 

Mike and Rebecca Ellis, in the wake of their son’s death, turned their pain into ministry. They created the Cole Ellis Foundation. The Foundation links Christian counselors to people struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide. Countless lives have been saved through Mike and Rebecca’s suffering. More lives have been introduced to Jesus Christ through their pain. 

I don’t know what pain you are experiencing this morning. I may not know your suffering. I do know this, Jesus is familiar with your problems because He has suffered with the same obstacles and barriers. I know that Jesus is aware of your pain. You are not forgotten and He is never late. He is available and on the way. I know that even though you may be hurting today, you can have overwhelming peace through Jesus Christ if you but call out to Him. He is faithful to answer. Remember, Christ’s words in John 14:27.

John 14:27 GW

"I'm leaving you peace. I'm giving you my peace. I don't give you the kind of peace that the world gives. So don't be troubled or cowardly.

Have F.A.I.T.H. in Jesus! Forsaking All I Trust Him!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

As we come before you today, we are grateful for the opportunity to gather and delve into your Word. We've reflected on the powerful passages from Mark 5:21-43, where we've seen the profound displays of faith and trust in your miraculous power.

Lord, we are reminded of the words spoken by Jairus, who sought healing for his daughter, and the woman who reached out in faith, believing that even the touch of your garment would bring healing. Their stories resonate with us today, teaching us the importance of unwavering faith and trust in your promises.

In our own lives, we may face storms of doubt, uncertainty, and fear. Yet, just as you calmed the winds and the waves, we trust that you can calm the storms within our hearts. Help us, Lord, to anchor our faith in you, forsaking all else and trusting wholly in your unfailing love.

May we never doubt your steadfast presence in our lives, knowing that you are always near, ready to comfort, guide, and heal. Strengthen our faith, O Lord, and help us to surrender our doubts and fears at your feet.

We offer this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who taught us to have faith like a mustard seed, knowing that with you, all things are possible. Amen.