THE RESURRECTION OF JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER
Jesus Ruins Funerals – Part 2
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
March 17, 2024
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Of all the resurrection miracles we’re looking at in this series, this particular one is most unique in that it is coupled with another miracle that takes place within the story itself. There is so much we learn about Christ’s compassion, His power, and what He intends to do for each and every one of us. Don’t miss this second installment in our series, Jesus Ruins Funerals.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. The story of the woman with a chronic menstrual problem presented a unique set of challenges in first-century Jewish culture that it would not present today. But all of us can relate to some or all of the ways this woman was suffering physically, socially, religiously, and economically. What stood out to you most about this healing? Why did Jesus call this woman out from her anonymity and isolation rather than just continuing on with his journey to Jairus’ house? How significant is it that Jesus called this nameless woman “daughter”? How is her healing like what an individual experiences when they give their life to Jesus Christ?
2. Pastor Keith commented, “Faith gives us access to Jesus and his power in our lives but it doesn’t give us control over Jesus or His power.” Jairus may have struggled with the delay in ministering to the woman with the issue of blood (although the text doesn’t say) given the seriousness of his daughter’s condition. Have you ever struggled with God’s timing? Have you ever wanted to dictate to God when, where, and how He is to answer your prayer? How does this story speak to that issue?
3. Just like with the woman whom Jesus called “daughter”, Jesus speaks similar tender words to the dead young girl. Talitha is a term of endearment, like a pet name or a special nickname a mother might use for her daughter. In both of these miracles, it’s not just the healing that is highlighted but also the restoration of relationship. Miracles are always bigger than we imagine. In the same way, we are not merely healed of our sin sickness, we are restored in relationship, brought back into the family, included, and made to feel special. When you think about what it means to be restored in relationship to the family of God, how do you hear God referring to you? What do we read in Scripture? What have you heard Him speak to your spirit?
4. There is no question, these two miracles are intertwined. Those are so many similarities and contrasts that it could not be accidental. In what ways are the stories different? In what ways are the stories the same? In what way do both miracles show us what Christ will do on the cross and through His resurrection?
BONUS QUESTION: Pastor Keith listed nine Markan Sandwiches in the extended message notes. Individually or as a group, take some time to study one of the other examples of this sandwich technique that Jewish writers used. Remember, the middle story often holds the key to understanding the story it interrupts. In the passage or passages you examine, what stands out about the middle story that helps you better understand the story it interrupts?
1 - Jesus Family and Beelzebub: 3.30-35
2 - Parable of the Sower and Purpose of Parables: 4.1-20
3 - Jairus and the Bleeding Woman: 5.21-43
4 - Sending out the Twelve and John the Baptist: 6.7-32
5 - Cursing of the Fig Tree and Cleansing of the Temple: 11.12-25
6 - The plot to kill Jesus and his anointing: 14.1-11
7 - Peter’s Denial and Jesus’ Trial: 14.53-72
8 - Jesus predicts the failures of h