“Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.’ ” The voice of hope in the midst of hopelessness; life in the midst of death. Is it possible that what is so final is not so final at all? Not only is all not as it seems, but nothing is really as it seems. Fascinating mental adventure here. If only we had eyes to see straight.
“When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother.” This was no show, but a teaching opportunity. He wanted witnesses. It was not trick, but the power of God.
“Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. ‘Stop wailing,’ Jesus said. ‘She is not dead but asleep.’ ” You know, what is he THINKING? Saying something like this just makes him seem like a crackpot. He is clearly not trying to impress people or win their respect. Why does he say it this way? Believe it or not, and no matter how weird it sounds, it’s true. She’s in a state of unconsciousness from which she will emerge. Jesus hasn’t lied, and he’s not playing games. He is speaking the truth, but it sounds like a riddle, or that he’s just a fool. Not only is all not as it seems, but nothing is really as it seems.
“They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.” Jesus has said something that seemed like a direct contradiction to obvious nature. Was he a liar or just stupid? He has said something provably untrue, in their minds. Interestingly enough, however, they’re both right. She is dead, but she is also just asleep. It’s just two different realities, though they are both real. Just not what it seems.
“My child, get up.” When Jesus raises the dead, he always speaks a name or some referent first. Otherwise, all of the dead would rise. This is another example of it.
“Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.” This is to prove she isn’t a ghost, but he has truly raised her from the dead. Nothing up my sleeve, no magic tricks, just divine power.
And, as usual, he orders them not to tell anyone. At this point, he will testify for himself. His followers are not authorized to preach in his name until after the resurrection when they are filled with the Holy Spirit to do so.
The evidence keeps mounting about the identity and capabilities of this man.
