Christ-Light Connections: The Daughter of Jairus & The Young Man from Nain

Jesus performed many miracles to heal the sick and cast out demons. Indeed, he had come to defeat Satan and help his people. Each of these were small pictures of the restoration he had planned for the world. However, the Lord had in mind much more for his people. He was here to wage war on death, the greatest curse of sin.

The Christ-Light theme of the week is Jesus shows his power over death.

1NT 13A

The Daughter of Jairus — Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26; Mark 5:21-24, 35-43; Luke 8:40-42, 49-56

Context

Jairus came to Jesus with a lot to fear. Religious leaders, along with synagogue rulers, were opposed to Jesus. They rejected him, sought to entrap him, and plotted to kill him. What would Jesus say if he asked for help? “Now you come to me? Why should I help you? You deserve rejection.”

Big Ideas

Jairus (Matthew 9:18-19, Mark 5:22-23, Luke 8:40-42 )

The imminent death of Jairus’ dear daughter brought everything into perspective. His identity, reputation, and dignity as a synagogue ruler no longer had value in this time of need. All that mattered was the answer to the question, “Who is Jesus?”

Conversation Starters:

• How does God use trouble to bring us to him?
• How can our need to protect our reputation affect our faith?

The Bleeding Woman (Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:24-34, Luke 8:42-48)

Christ-Light does not include this part of the story as Jesus journeys to raise Jairus’ daughter. Understandably, most school teachers may want to avoid awkward conversations about mensuration and the female body. Perhaps parents with older children, especially daughters, will want to discuss this story at home. Follow this link for more.

Don’t be Afraid, Just Believe (Mark 5:35-36, Luke 8:49-50 )

A messenger arrived to annihilate Jairus’ hope in Jesus and to reduce Jairus to a bothersome annoyance. “Why bother the teacher?” It didn’t matter who Jesus was, Jairus had waited too long.

Without hesitation, Jesus speaks to restore Jarius’ faith. We have heard Jesus say do not be afraid before in reference to his power over sin (paralyzed man) and over creation (calming the storm). This time he spoke it in the face of death. These simple words absolved Jairus of his sins, accepted him as he was, and invited him to believe that he was even more than Jarius had hoped.

She is not Dead, but Asleep (Matthew 9:23-24, Mark 5:37-40 Luke 8:51-53)

Jesus’ statement is mocked because it was so clearly wrong. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that her condition was now irreversible. She was dead. However, from the author of life’s perspective, the very one who breathed life into Adam’s nostrils, his created child was merely resting.

Jesus’ statement banishes our fear of the greatest enemy. The worst curse of sin that separates us from God and loved ones was reduced to a nap. One day, each of us will fall asleep. Then, we will experience the joy of being awakened by Jesus.

Conversation Starter:

• Can you find other places in scripture where death is called sleep?

He Took Her by the Hand (Matthew 9:25-26, Mark 5:41-43, Luke 8:54-56)

From other stories, we know that Jesus did not need to hold the girl’s hand to bring her back to life. He could have spoken as soon as Jairus had asked, sparing the trouble of the journey and drama of the mourners. These details teach us about Jesus’ deep care for Jairus and his love for the child.

Conversation Starter:

• What details in this story emphasize Jesus’ personal love for his people?

Digging Deeper

Seeds of Faith provides Law and Gospel points as well as helpful discussion questions.

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1NT 12A

The Young Man from Nain — Luke 7:11-17

Context

In the book of Luke, Jesus had already cured the sick and cast out demons gradually revealing his divinity and mission. He had not yet raised the dead. The story of Jairus’ daughter comes after this account.

Culturally, women needed a husband or a son to provide for them. Without either, they had no legitimate income or standing in society. The loss of both husband and son would have left this woman not only broken-hearted but in a desperate situation. The Levitical law in the Old Testament addressed the plight of orphans and widows many times. The LORD cared that the most vulnerable were provided for.

Big Ideas

Jesus’ Compassion (Luke 7:12-13)

What motivated Jesus to help this widow? He saw her. He knew and understood this woman’s devastation, and without even being asked to intervene, he took action.

As Jesus saw this widow, I am reminded of the name that Hagar gave to the LORD when he helped her in her desperation. She had been abused and devalued by both Abram and Sarai, but “the God who sees me” restored and blessed her (Genesis 16:13).

Don’t Cry (Luke 7:13)

Jesus commands, “Don’t cry.” His first concern was the heart of the widow. No one else could say “don’t cry” in this situation without being rude or insensitive. The woman had every reason to weep for all that she had lost. But, the Lord had said it. He had the power to remove her cause for sorrow.

Jesus’ mission and purpose were not only to conquer sin and death, but he also came to heal our hearts and wipe away our tears.

Conversation Starter:

• Can you find other passages that show God’s reaction to crying? Be sure to look up Psalm 56:8-9 and Revelation 21:4-5.

Jesus Gave Him Back to his Mother (Luke 7:15)

The Lord of life spoke again, commanding the boy to get up. His created child obeyed!

One might expect a young man raised by Jesus to spend his days serving and follow Jesus along with the other disciples. But, Jesus had in mind for him a different calling. He was raised from death to provide a life for his mother.

Conversation Starter:

• Some thought that Jesus was the prophet, Elijah. The phrase “gave him back to his mother” echos the Old Testament resurrection miracle in 1 Kings 17:17-24. Compare the miracles. How is Jesus the greater Elijah?

Digging Deeper

Explore the artwork by Chris Powers. Did you notice the tomb and stone? Why is Jesus on the cross and glorified? What do you think the keys in his hand open?