Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 2, Number 42, DeMotte, Jasper County, 2 March 1933 — IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL Lesson [ARTICLE]

IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL Lesson

(By REV. P. B. FITZWATER, D. D.,

Mem-

Lesson for March 5 JESUS GIVING LIFE AND HEALTH LESSON TEXT--Mark 5:21-43. GOLDEN TEXT--The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Psalm 126:3. PRIMARY TOPIC--Jesus Making a Little Girl Live Again. JUNIOR TOPIC--Jesus Raising Jalrus' Daughter. INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP-IC--Life and Health Through Jesus. YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP-IC--Christianity and Human Suffering. The accounts of the raising of the damsel and the healing of the woman are so interwoven as almost to constitute one narrative, but since the principles are diverse and the places separate, and the one an interruption of the other, they should be treated separately. I. Jairus’ Daughter Raised From the Dead (vv. 22-24, 35-43). 1. Jairus’ urgent mission (vv. 22, 23), His only daughter.(Luke 8:42). Perhaps his only child lay dying. In this time of utter helplessness he came to Jesus for he had faith in his ability to raise her up. In the providence of God sorrow, sickness and death are often used to bring needy men and women into contact with Jesus. He showed the proper attitude toward Jesus, “he fell at his feet” (v. 22). 2. Jesus goes with Jairus (v. 24). Jairus believed that if Jesus would lay his hand upon his daughter she would live. Such faith always gets a response from Jesus. No one destitute of faith can receive bis blessing. 3. News of his daughter’s death (v. 35). This was a most startling message. The messenger who brought the news of her death suggested that Jesus should be excused from going further as it was now too late. 4. Jairus’ faith strengthened (v. 36). As soon as Jesus heard the word spoken concerning the death of this girl, he said to the father, “Be not afraid, only believe.” This is the message still to every distressed soul. 5. The mourners rebuked (vv. 3739). He dismissed the crowd and allowed only three of his disciples and the parents of the damsel to enter this chamber of death with him. The tumultuous wailing showed the despair of the friends. In connection with this death-wail the Lord was ridiculed, but he declared that the girl could be awakened from her sleep of death. 6. Jairus’ faith rewarded (vv. 4143). He took the damsel by the hand and commanded her to arise. The expression “Talitha cumi” in the Aramaic may he freely translated, “Wake up, little girl.” She straightway arose and walked and partook of food. Her walking was proof of the reality of the miracle. There was no sign of the weakness which usually follows a severe sickness. II. The Woman With an Issue of Blood (vv. 25-34). 1. Her helpless condition (vv. 25, 26, cf. Luke 8:43). She had been a great sufferer for twelve long years. In addition to physical suffering her malady involved ceremonial uncleanness which was perhaps harder to bear than the physical suffering. This ceremonial uncleanness meant her exclusion from the places of worship and divorce from her husband, as well as social isolation. 2. Her faith (vv. 27, 28). She possessed a real and earnest faith. Having heard of the fame of Jesus as a healer, she likely journeyed a considerable distance. For a poor emaciated woman after twelve years of suffering to press her way through a thronging multitude, shows that she possessed a determined purpose. The test of the actuality and quality of one’s faith is the determined activity which it engenders. Her faith was so strong that she believed that contact with the Master’s garments would secure the needed help. 3. Her healing (vv. 29-32). As soon as she touched the hem of his garment, she experienced In her body his healing power. Jesus was conscious of the outgoing of virtue from himself. 4. Her confession (v. 33, cf. Luke 8:47). She thought secretly to get the blessing of healing, but Jesus perceived that virtue had gone out from him and had her make a public confession. 5. Jesus’ words of encouragement (v. 34). With the communication of his healing virtue he spoke most gracious and comforting words to this poor woman. He told her that it was her faith, not her touch that had saved her. Faith does not need to face danger and to exhaust itself in active endeavor in order to gain Christ’s blessing. All that is required is a trusting prayer. She obtained the blessing immediately.