“On the other side of the lake the crowds welcomed Jesus, because they had been waiting for him. Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him. His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” While he was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.” But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.” When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn’t let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl’s father and mother. The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, “Stop the weeping! She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died. Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, “My child, get up!” And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened.”
Luke 8:40-56 NLT
Jesus took the time to help, listen, and restore people. He took the time to heal Jairus’ daughter, bringing her back from the dead. He took the time to do it privately so that she would not be a public spectacle. He took the time to care for Jairus when he was losing hope. Jesus encouraged him and helped him believe. Jesus made time to stop and ask who had touched Him, so that He could publicly restore the reputation of an outcast woman.
Our world encourages us to be busy; we easily believe the lie that busy people are important people. Jesus was willing to be interrupted to help people. Pay attention to overfilling your schedule; maintain margin so you can say yes to the holy interruptions the Spirit has planned for you. Guard your times of rest, play, and family. Give yourself to the work of the Lord, building the Body of Christ on earth (the Church).
How much does God want you to rest? Play? Serve in church? Take the time to re-evaluate your schedule with Jesus.
