Popular Opinion

Jairus faced a crisis. His daughter was “at the point of death.” In desperation, he reached out to Jesus. Then, as Jesus was traveling to see the girl, a woman in the crowd around Him touched His hem and was healed of a hemorrhage that had plagued her for 12 years.

While Jesus ministered to the woman, Jairus learned that his daughter already had died. The crowd concluded that nothing more could be done, except to “trouble” Jesus. The Greek word here means to annoy or harass. To them, the matter was closed.

These people had placed limits on their faith and what Jesus could do. But He wanted to demonstrate that He wasn’t limited by popular opinion…that no situation was impossible…that He had no time limits…that He wasn’t annoyed or troubled by Jairus’ needs…and that He didn’t feel harassed. He told him, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe” (v. 36). Despite outward evidence that seemed daunting, Jesus was able to bring the girl back to life!

When we face problems, it can seem natural to be like these people who surrounded Jairus. It would be easy to be limited by popular opinion, to stop looking to Jesus, to stop believing, and to give up hope.

As you face problems, people around you may feel that things are hopeless. But as Jesus demonstrated with Jairus, faith is more important than popular opinion. Never limit His power. And remember that you never will annoy or trouble Him.

Commit your problems to Jesus—problems about health or finances, relationships or direction; problems big and small; problems in your own life or in the lives of friends or family members; even problems that seem impossible to solve.

Keep believing and trusting. Keep acting in faith. As Jairus learned, with Jesus no situation is truly hopeless. It’s never too late. All things are possible!