Crede | Just believe

"Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, 'Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." -  Luke 8:50 (NIV)

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It is interesting to see two different instructions after Jesus performed miracles in today's passage. First, to proclaim what He had done to the world, and second, not to tell anyone about the miracles He did.

After He cured the demon-possessed man in the region of gentiles – Gerasenes, the man wanted to follow Him but Jesus said, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." Immediately the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

In the Jewish area, Jesus expected more. He forbade the Jairus family from telling everyone about the miracle He did. It was in the beginning of His mission on Earth. He wanted the Jews not to focus merely on the miracles but on Him. They have to know Him first - who He is, His purpose on earth and what to expect being His disciples, and accept Him in their lives. These miracles happened before He chose the twelve disciples (Luke 9) and gave them briefings of what to do and to expect when they went on their missions including the challenges and difficulties.

It is easy to believe in Jesus when we have everything. But there are moments when we cannot count on anything or anyone but the Lord Jesus only. The passage today wants to teach us about this.

Jairus came and fell at Jesus' feet, did not care about his position as the synagogue leader, pleading Him to come and heal his daughter. People at his house laughed as if it was a useless attempt. They did not know who Jesus was. And He did heal her, the dead girl came alive.

A very important lesson was shown by the woman who suffered from bleeding for twelve years. Mark 5:26-28 tells it in a more detailed way: "26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed."" Immediately her bleeding stopped.

The faith she had was like no other among the crowds. The kind of faith that even Jesus was surprised. It was said, as Jesus was on His way, the crowds almost crushed Him. People reached out, wanted to be close to Him eagerly. But suddenly Jesus asked about a person who had touched Him and caused His power went out. Actually, this woman didn't even touch His body, only His cloak! But it is the faith that matters. Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Today we learn, how Jesus overcomes demons, diseases and death. None of those three are easy things to deal with. We need to have the faith beyond the crowds. When everyone doubts, keep the precious faith you have on Jesus Christ dearly and hear Him said, "Don't be afraid; just believe..." Thank you Lord Jesus, to You be the glory for ever and ever. Amen!

 Reflection on Luke 8:26-56 by Desire Litaay

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