Environments of Peace

A religious leader named Jairus “implored” Jesus “earnestly” to come to his home to pray for his daughter who was “at the point of death.” (v. 23). When Jesus arrived, the first thing He noticed was the presence of a “commotion.” The Greek word suggests a disturbance. An unsettled environment. Describing the atmosphere, Jesus used a related word, asking, “Why make a commotion?” (v. 39).

Jesus immediately addressed this environment. He emptied the room of everyone but the child’s parents, and Peter, James, and John. Having ended the “commotion,” Jesus spoke to the girl, who immediately got up and began to walk.

As He had on other occasions, the first priority for Jesus was bringing order to end the chaos, confusion, and commotion. He created an environment of peace. Throughout His ministry, we constantly see Jesus bringing peace to situations. He even described the importance of His disciples speaking peace into a home: “If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace” (Matthew 10:13).

Facing a storm at sea, Jesus “rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39 ESV). As Paul wrote, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Following Jesus’ example, we should seek to foster environments of peace at work and church, in our homes and hearts. A peace that all commotion may be banished.