How can we trust Jesus' power in seemingly hopeless situations like in Mark 5:40? Setting the Scene: A Dead Child and Laughing Crowds “ ‘And they laughed at Him. But after He had put them all outside, He took the child’s father and mother and those with Him and went in where the child was.’ ” (Mark 5:40) • Jairus’ daughter is declared dead, mourners are weeping loudly, professional flute-players fill the house with dirges, and when Jesus says, “The child is not dead but asleep,” the crowd bursts into scornful laughter. • Hopelessness saturates the atmosphere—yet Jesus refuses to let unbelief dictate the outcome. He clears the room, keeps a small circle of faith around Him, and walks straight to the lifeless child. Why Their Laughter Matters • Human assessment stops at visible facts; Jesus speaks from divine authority that transcends those facts. • Scoffers reveal how quickly hearts trade reverence for ridicule when circumstances look final. • By removing the mockers, Jesus shows that unbelief is not a harmless bystander; it can obstruct the work God intends to do (cf. Matthew 13:58). Jesus’ Response: Calm Authority in the Face of Scoffers • He does not debate, defend, or delay. He simply removes the voices of doubt and proceeds. • “Taking her by the hand, He said to her, ‘Talitha koum!’ (which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise!’)” (Mark 5:41). • The result: “Immediately the girl got up and began to walk” (Mark 5:42). Life floods what was lifeless, and the laughing crowd’s verdict is overturned. Reasons We Can Trust His Power Today • Proven Record – He raised Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5). – He stopped a funeral and raised the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17). – He called Lazarus from four days in the tomb (John 11:38-44). • Unchanging Character – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) – The compassion He showed then is the compassion He extends now. • Sovereign Authority – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) – Death, disease, demons, and nature all submit to His word (Mark 4:39; 5:13; 5:29; 5:42). • Personal Invitation – “Do not fear, only believe.” (Mark 5:36) – He invites participation in His victory by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Living It Out in Our Hopeless Moments • Remove Voices of Unbelief – Choose influences that magnify God’s promises rather than circumstances. • Cling to His Word – Speak Scriptures of His power and faithfulness aloud (Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 41:10). • Recall Past Deliverances – Keep a record of answered prayers and breakthroughs as reminders. • Rest in His Presence – Worship shifts focus from the problem to the Person who cannot fail. • Act in Obedience – When He gives a directive—however simple—follow it, expecting His power to meet your trust. |
    |