Overcoming Skeptics

Scripture Reading: Mark 5:35-43 NASB95
While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?” [36] But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” [37] And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James. [38] They came to the house of the synagogue official; and He saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. [39] And entering in, He said to them, “Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is asleep.” [40] They began laughing at Him. But putting them all out, He took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was. [41] Taking the child by the hand, He said to her, “Talitha kum!” (which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). [42] Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. [43] And He gave them strict orders that no one should know about this, and He said that something should be given her to eat.

There will always be people who will call your faith into question.  Jesus faced a crowd of skeptics when he entered Jairus' home.  Jesus responded with a word of encouragement to Jairus.  ("Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.")  Then Jesus kicked all the skeptics out of the room where Jairus' daughter was "sleeping."  Jesus made sure that the only people left in the room either believed in him, or were hoping against hope that Jesus would do a miracle.

Jesus did challenge the hysterics of the skeptics who were weeping loudly.  He let them know that the child was not dead; just sleeping.  They responded to Jesus' words by mocking Him with laughter.  (Boorish behavior)  Jesus did not allow the crowd to influence the events that were to come.  One of the things that we can learn from this is that God is not intimidated by the unbelief of the crowds.  God does whatever He wills to do.

Jesus took the 12-year-old girl by the hand; spoke a few words over her; and "woke" her up.  I'm sure that this miracle brought a smile to Jesus' face.  At the end of the day, Jesus had the last laugh.  That seems rather rude, but it takes faith to please God.  Skeptics will always feel hopeless, because they do not believe; and generally they will not admit to being wrong when proven wrong.

Questions to Consider:

1. Do you think the girl was actually dead, but Jesus was speaking from a position of faith when He stated that she was sleeping?
2. Do you have some skeptics among your close relationships?  (How can you be an influence to them without compromising your own faith?)
3. What can we learn from the "way" Jesus dealt with those that did not believe?

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