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In Capernaum there were two houses whose inmates are strangely linked together in the Gospel history. The one was the house of Jairus, which perhaps stood on the rising ground fast by the synagogue: the other was the house in which the nameless woman, with the issue of blood, dwelt, which probably was situated in the poorer part of the city. Let us mark the contrasts of life presented by these two houses in the "twelve years" twice mentioned by Mark.

I. HOPE AND FEAR — There was a day when a great event took place in the house of Jairus. A child was born. What congratulations of friends, etc. The same year — perhaps the same month and day — a memorable event took place in the house of a poor woman. "Issue of blood" (Mark 5:25). How it came is not told. Such contrasts are common. In one home they are lifted up with hope and joy; while in another there is the gloom and trouble.

II. HEALTH AND SICKNESS. In the house of Jairus all goes well. The child grows. She is the joy of her parents, etc. But alas! how different have been the circumstances in the other house. Perhaps the woman thought at first that her ailment was slight and temporary. Certainly she was buoyed up with the hope that it would yield to the skill of physicians. But disappointed.

III. COMFORT AND PENURY. Jairus must have held a good position: he was wealthy. As to the woman, we cannot tell what her original condition was. At any rate, she soon felt the pressure of adversity.

IV. SOCIETY AND LONELINESS. Jairus had wife and daughter, and many friends. If he needed sympathy, there would be always people ready to give it. Besides, he had his place and his duties, as a ruler of the synagogue, to furnish him with honourable employment and holy rest. But how different with the poor woman. She is represented as alone. No one is named as taking interest in her case.

V. BUT THERE CAME A TIME WHEN THE FORTUNES OF THESE TWO PEOPLE WERE STRANGELY ASSIMILATED AND WHEN IN THEIR EXTREMITY THEY MET AND FOUND RELIEF AT THE FEET OF THE SAME SAVIOUR. Lessons:

1. Trouble comes to all.

2. Trouble should drive us to Christ.

3. Trouble should bind us more closely in sympathy and love with our brethren.

4. Trouble should endear to us the more the hope of heaven.

(W. Forsyth, M. A.)

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KJV: And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

WEB: He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides.