Following Jesus
While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. Matthew 9:18-19 (ESV)
Jesus met a man who was the ruler of the synagogue, a man of authority, a man the people respected. The ruler came to Jesus not to demand, but to fall down at His feet. As a father, my heart breaks when I place myself in his sandals. His daughter was dead. There was nothing he could do for her, but if Jesus would come and put His hand on her, she would live again. He was sure of it.
The question was, would Jesus follow him back to the house? Would this busy man who had places to be and people to see turn aside and come to his home? Yes, Jesus got up and followed Jairus. Jesus' disciples got up and followed Jesus. In faith, we follow this little procession. We witness Jesus take the girl tenderly by the hand and raise her from death.
On this occasion, Jesus followed a man in need. He in mercy gave the man what he didn’t deserve. He overcame death for him and gave his little girl back alive. As those who follow Jesus, we know that following Him results in life eternal. The day is coming when all who are in the graves will hear his voice and rise up again at His voice. It’s why those first two disciples followed Jesus and left John. It’s why Peter and Andrew, James and John and Levi left occupations, nets and stacks of money behind. It’s why the formerly blind man got up and followed Him.
He loves me and He has power over sin, death and the grave. Nothing is more important than following Him.
Visit, then, this soul of mine, Pierce the gloom of sin and grief;
Fill me, Radiancy Divine, Scatter all my unbelief.
More and more Thyself display, Shining to the perfect day.
The Lutheran Hymnal 359:3