Jarius had a decision to make. His daughter, his only daughter lay sick. She was dying. The doctors could not help. Friends had already gathered and begun mourning. Jarius was desperate. His only hope was this Man name Jesus. He had seen Jesus heal on a Sabbath. He had heard how he had supposedly forgiven sins. But Jesus was an outcast in his circle. His colleagues were plotting to kill Him. If he went to Jesus he could lose everything – his job, his status, his friends. His daughter or his job? His child or his status?
Jarius chose his daughter. As her condition worsen, he left to find Jesus. He discretely asked around. Now he had to overcome yet another obstacle. Jesus was dining with sinners. This very proper man of standing, this leader of his community, this friend of Pharisees had to take yet another risk and enter the home of sinners. Humbly he bowed before Jesus and made his request, “Heal my daughter.”
Jesus immediately went to heal. He did not ridicule Jarius and ask, “Why don’t you get your buddies the Pharisees to pray?” He didn’t require an apology, a plea for forgiveness, or proof of repentance. Jesus saw a man hurting, desperate for his daughter. He had compassion and responded out of His identity, Savior of the World.
Like Jarius this morning, I’m desperate. It’s not my child that I’m praying for but my nation. I’m tired of mass shootings. I’m tired of debating over a flag, gun control, race relations. I’m tired of division, politics, and religion.
So, I humbly ask, Jesus heal my nation.
I don’t believe Jesus will look at us and mockingly ask, “Why don’t you get your president to help you?” I don’t think he will require an apology, a plea for forgiveness, or proof of repentance. I believe, if we ask, He will answer. Will you join with me in this simple prayer: “Jesus heal our nation.”
“As he was saying these things, a ruler came, bowed low before him, and said, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and she will live.” Jesus and his disciples got up and followed him.
When Jesus entered the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the disorderly crowd, he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but asleep.” And they began making fun of him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and gently took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the news of this spread throughout that region.”
Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26 NET
http://bible.com/107/mat.9.18-19,23-26.net