Big Steps for a Big God

One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him. Mark 5:22-24

He was a synagogue official. He supervised observance of the law. He was there to identify which is clean and unclean. Though a man in position, he was feeling the lowest point in his life – death of his daughter. His stature can’t heal his daughter. Rituals of the law can’t heal his daughter. He has religious standing and he administers the law and yet hope of healing does not come.

And on this day, he decided to put his hope not on the law but on Jesus who came to fulfill the law. His actions declare his name, Jairus, which means “God enlightens”. God enlightened this synagogue official that hope and healing lies not on the law but in Christ alone. Jairus is begging for hope and healing. Jesus is giving hope and healing.

Jairus made a big step. He might be where Jesus is to list down Jesus’ shortcomings in the fulfillment of the law. But maybe as Jairus is capturing moments against Jesus, Jesus captured his heart. He knelt down before the Jesus whom he supposedly to guard on the requirements of the written law. With this, his job maybe at the exit door. Jairus made the big step not for himself but for somebody else.

Jesus made a big step too. He is not only passing by to adhere Jairus’ request, He is going to Jairus’ home. To make the dead rise. To give hope to the hopeless. To heal the broken heart. For the unbelievers to believe.

We can make big steps through God’s grace for others. We can be instruments of God’s enlightenment to others. High hops to give hope. Large leaps to give light. Jumbo jumps to give joy.

Go to another country to do God’s work. Talk to a stranger about Jesus. Give a talk in the prayer meeting. Lead the prayer meeting. Volunteer for the parish. Volunteer for the community. Give up time for self to do time for others. Make a long distance call to a friend in crisis.

Jesus made the biggest step by dying on the cross. He invites us to die and live for Him. Draw strength from Him to make big steps. Big steps offered to a big God.