“And as Jesus was returning, the people welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him. And a man named Jairus came, and he was an official of the synagogue; and he fell at Jesus’ feet and began urging Him to come to his house; for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him.” “While He was still speaking, someone came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” But when Jesus heard this, He responded to him, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.” When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him except Peter, John, and James, and the girl’s father and mother. Now they were all weeping and mourning for her; but He said, “Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep.” And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. He, however, took her by the hand and spoke forcefully, saying, “Child, arise!” And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He ordered that something be given her to eat.” (Luke 8: 40-42, 49-55 NASB)
Two members of the varsity basketball team, Louie and Bryan, seniors at the school I had taught the previous year, take the risk to visit me at the new school where I had been reassigned. Now I say risk because they had to get in the building, come to the third floor where I was teaching, and find my room during the last period of the day. They had an early dismissal and no practice for some reason. I’m sure they had to ask some students in the hall where my room was located. The risk was magnified, in my opinion, by the fact that the varsity basketball coach, a future Hall of Famer, at my new school was just two doors down from my room. Surprised seeing them outside my room in the hallway, I went out of the classroom and asked them what prompted them to take the risk to visit. They responded that they just wanted to see their “favorite teacher.” I invited them in, and they sat in the back of the room until the dismissal bell rang. We talked for a while and shared a few laughs. The young men spoke about their options of post-secondary schools to attend. I advised them to weigh a few factors, including how each school was rated in their desired field of study and which school did they feel they would get to continue playing basketball, the sport that they loved. Distance and their ability to cope with separation anxiety at a school located in a city, where coming home every weekend was not going to be feasible or affordable was also included in the conversation. They thanked me for my advice, and I walked them to their cars to get them on their way without further risks. I have to admit that my sense of value as a teacher was enhanced by them seeking me out.
The man in the text above took some risks to reach out to the greatest teacher of all time; a title that will never be taken away. The man risked losing favor with others who would frown on his coming to Jesus. He risked his status in the synagogue. He risked being ostracized from people who he was close to who did not have faith in Jesus. But the man in our text deemed that the risks were well worth taking to get to Jesus. Unlike the high school ball players above who sought good advice, he was seeking Jesus’ to do some good action, to minister to his daughter who was dying. His risks were refuted by his faith; countered by a confidence in Jesus. His risks paid off because Jesus intervened and brought the daughter to life. I’m sure the man was glad he sought out Jesus, as opposing to giving the risks power over his life. Our Redeemer should have more power over us them our risks.
Therefore, the lesson for you this morning is as follows. Don’t worry about the risks of losing friends, losing popularity, or even losing the admiration that your so-called friends have for you. You should not have to face such risks, but if you do, let me tell you that it is worth the risks to seek out Jesus. He will give you advice, great advice, and He will act for your good, much like a shepherd looks after his flock. He is the Good Shepherd, and you are allowed as a believer to visit with Him anytime and every time you have a need for divine input and divine intervention. Try Jesus my friend! The reality is that things will get better because of your faith. Now if you are too busy, which I doubt, to go to Jesus during the daylight hours of this day, be like Nicodemus who John writes about in his epistle. Nicodemus took the risk and found out, “You must be born again.” See below. Be blessed!
“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:1-3 KJV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King