Mustard Seed Packet! Raising Jairus Daughter

Transcription

1 Mustard Seed Packet Raising Jairus Daughter Mustard Seed Lesson Plans Matt 13:31 Another parable put he forth unto them saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Matt 13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Our Mustard Seed Lesson Plans for Sunday School are written with the goal that each parent or teacher will teach the story, healing or event from the Bible from a more inspired viewpoint. Knowing the literal content of any story, understanding the historical context, the geographical location, and the people that surround it, etc., is the first step of comprehending it. However, the most important objective is to find the spiritual symbols in each event, and lift it up to its spiritual interpretation. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (II Tim. 3:16). 1

2 Mary Baker Eddy writes, The spiritual sense of the Scriptures understood enables one to utilize the power of divine Love in casting out God s opposites, called evils, and in healing the sick (My? 5:27). Welcome. Little bit about us. My name is Kathy Merrill, and I work for Biblos Foundation, a foundation set up to enhance the deeper study of the Bible through the lens of Christian Science. We are excited to expand the focus and mission of Biblos to young families, to those who have children and those who don t. Our prayer is that we can fan the flame of interest in the Scriptures, so the desire to study the Bible will catch on fire and grow within each one of you. Each week I plan to share ideas on how to study the Bible more deeply, and how to use what you are learning to share these ideas with your children. If you downloaded this PDF, you probably got it from my blog, diggingdeepernow.org, a blog dedicated to helping teach the Bible to young Christian Science families who want to share their love for the Bible with their children. If you received this free copy through a friend or family member, please visit us at diggingdeepernnow.org and sign up for free blog posts ed directly to you inbox. I regularly update the blog with insights, historical facts about the Bible (Bible 101), and inspirational articles to share.% **********************************************************************************************% Not all Mustard Seed Packets contain exactly the same information since some chapters do not apply to certain topics. But the following is an outline of this packet: Bible Verses Terms Study Questions Research Bible Location Art Gallery Ark article Resources Map 2

3 Bible Verses Mark 5:21-24 Luke 8:41, 42 Matt. 9:18, 19 21And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. 22And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, 23And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. 24And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. Mark 5: While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? 36As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. 41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: 42For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a-dying. But as he went the people thronged him. Luke 8: While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. 50But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. 51And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. 52And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. 53And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. 18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. 19And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. Matt. 9: And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, 24He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. 25But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 26And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. 3

4 Bible Verses 37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. 38And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 40And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. 41And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. 54And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. 55And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. 56And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done. 4

5 Study Questions 1. What is a ruler of the synagogue? What does this say about Jairus? 2. How many times is it recorded that did Jesus overcame death? What does womanhood have to do with those times? 3. Another healing is sandwiched in between this healing? Why is this important? 4. What qualities of thought did Jairus express? 5. If the girl was at the point of death, what does that mean for Jesus? 6. Jesus says something to Jairus that is very important, what were his words? What do they mean in Greek? 7. Why did Jesus only take a few people into the room of the little girl? Who got to witness this healing? 5

6 Study Questions 8. Why was the mental environment so important to the healing? What did Jesus do about that? 9. What does Jesus say to the little girl? 10. How long did it take for the healing to be evidenced? 6

7 Research Mark 5:22-23, 35, 36, Jairus in Greek is lairos and it means whom Jehovah [God] enlightens (Thayer 2383). The repeated association of a woman with the overcoming of death seems to be saying that she, whose body can bring forth a new life, is also endowed with a spirit, whose love and faith deserve to be rewarded with the miracle of resurrection. The resurrection at Bethany, we learn from the Gospels, was one of three such acts wrought by Jesus, in addition to his own. And it is significant to find that all four were closely linked to a woman. One, and according to some, the first, was the bringing back to life of a twelve-year-old girl; the other two were young men, Lazarus and the son of the widow of Nain, whose lives he restored because he was moved by the grief of the women who loved them (Sergio 66). Two women appear in the blending of two stories, the healing of Jairus daughter and the healing of a woman with an issue of blood (Mk 5:21-43). As related, the stories are linked in their occurrence, the woman s healing having taken place while Jesus was on his way to Jairus home. There is another linkage, whether deliberate or not being undetermined. Both healed ones are called daughter. Jairus, a synagogue ruler, made an impassioned appeal: my little daughter is near death. After the woman with hemorrhage had touched Jesus garment and then been identified, she fell with fear and trembling at his feet, apparently expecting a severe rebuke for her deed (v. 33). When she had told him all the truth, he replied: Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace and be healed from your scourge (v. 34). Mark or his source brought into one combined story two daughters, one the little daughter of a synagogue ruler and the other a grown woman suffering from the curse (Stagg 209). 22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, The first life Jesus restored belonged to a very young girl, the daughter of Jairus, a Jew of high standing and the elected ruler of his synagogue. She was approaching death when her father rushed to find Jesus on the shores of Lake Galilee. He came to implore the Rabbi from Nazareth to prevent her from dying. The faith in his heart must have glowed through the tears in his eyes as he stood by the edge of the water, beseeching the extraordinary preacher to make haste and come to his succor (Sergio 67). Jairus is memorable as an example of what has happened times beyond number a man who comes to Christ because he is driven by a concern for another life. Jairus was impelled not so much by his own need as by the desperate need of a loved one. His words my little daughter lose none of their genuine pathos over the centuries. What perhaps he would not have done for himself, he did not hesitate to do for her (IB 7.718). 7

8 Bible Notes 23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. Jairus need was so urgent that he jettisoned all dignity and pride, fell at Jesus feet and begged for help. Jairus had apparently heard about Jesus and believed that he could heal his child. Mark records no oral reply by Jesus to Jairus s request. Here Jesus does not speak; he acts. He set out with Jairus to go to the child, and a large crowd probably of curiosity seekers followed along (EBC 8.660). Mark and Luke say that she was at the point of death, meaning that this was a dire emergency and that Jesus should come immediately, with great haste. The woman with the issue of blood interrupts this procession to Jairus house, and it is interesting to note that Jairus said nothing while Jesus healed the woman. It is highly possible that he knew this woman and her predicament. He stood still and witnessed the healing of her incurable illness and perhaps, through this healing, his own faith was quickened there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? While Jesus was still speaking to the woman [with the issue of blood] some men brought Jairus the news of the death of his daughter. Since death is final, they advised him not to bother Jesus any longer. But Jesus ignored what the messengers said (EBC 8.662). 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. In an effort to encourage Jairus, Jesus turned to him and said, Don t be afraid; just believe. This word of assurance must have been just what he needed. He in no way tried to dissuade Jesus from resuming his journey to the child s bedside. At this point Jesus decided to separate himself from the crowd following him (EBC 8.662). The word believe in Greek is pisteuo and means to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to place confidence in, to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something, to entrust a thing to one, i.e. to his fidelity (Thayer 4100). 38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 8

9 Bible Notes Tumult in Greek is thorybos and means an uproar, a noise, persons wailing, a clamorous and excited multitude, riotous persons (Thayer 2351). When Jesus arrived at Jairus house, a great commotion was taking place. The Lord has dismissed one crowd only to find the house occupied by another. As was the custom, professional mourners had been secured; and they were already at work. The lamentations consisted of choral song or antiphony, accompanied by hand-clapping. Since Jairus occupied a prominent position in the Jewish community, the number of professional mourners was large. So along with members of his family, they were making a great uproar (EBC 8.662). As soon as a person dies, all the females in the family set up a loud and doleful cry. They continue it as long as they can without taking breath, and the shriek of wailing dies away in a low sob. The Jews showed their grief by howling, by music, by concealing the chin with their garment, by rending the outer garment, by refusing to wash or anoint themselves, or to converse with people, by scattering ashes or dust in the air (Barnes 46). 39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. Ado in Greek is thorybeo and means to make a noise or uproar, be turbulent, to disturb, throw into confusion, to be troubled in the mind, to wail tumultuously (Thayer 2350). We are in no position to say whether Jesus was asserting of the girl that she was dead, but that death did not have final dominion over her (which is what Matthew and Luke imply), or whether he was saying that she was in a coma. Luke s account (Luke 8:53) deliberately emphasizes that the child was dead (AB Mark 287). 40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. Tears were quickly changed to laughter a clear indication of the superficiality of the grief of the professional mourners. Jesus did not want any noisy crowd present when he performed this stupendous miracle; so he put the mourners out. Their lack of sensitivity disqualified them from being present at such a beautiful event (EBC 8.663). 9

10 Bible Notes put them all out translates a Greek verb which implies forcible ejection (AB Mark 287). Put them out. Wonderful authority in the house of a stranger. He was really Master of the house (Vincent 191). 41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. Mark is the only Evangelist who preserves the original Aramaic here. Aramaic was the language of Palestine in the first century A.D. and was probably the language Jesus and his disciples normally spoke. However, since they came from Galilee, which was surrounded by the Gentile Decapolis and by Syrian Phoenicia, it seems highly likely that they also knew Greek and on occasion spoke Greek (EBC 8.663). 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. with a great astonishment. They were all completely amazed: The Greek is strongly expressive (AB Mark 287). The young girl (Mark tells us she was twelve years old) responded immediately to Jesus words. She not only stood up, she began to walk around. The reaction of the five witnesses to the miracle (Peter, James, John, and the parents) was one of complete amazement (EBC 8.663). Sources: The Anchor Bible: Mark. Introduction, translation and commentary by C.S. Mann. New York: Doubleday, Barnes, Albert. Barnes Notes on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Kregel, The Expositor s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke. Ed. Frank E. Gaebelein et al. Vol. 8., Grand Rapids: Zondervan, The Interpreter s Bible. Ed. George Arthur Buttrick et al. 12 vols. New York: Abingdon, Sergio, Lisa. Jesus and Woman: An exciting discovery of what he offered her. McLean: EPM Publications, Stagg, Evelyn and Frank. Woman in the World of Jesus. Philadelphia: Westminster, Thayer, Joseph Henry, trans. The New Thayer s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. Peabody: Hendrickson, Vincent, Marvin R. Vincent s Word Studies in the New Testament: The Synoptic Gospels, Acts of % the Apostles, Peter, James and Jude. Vol. 1. McLean: MacDonald Publishing, Abbreviation key: AB = The Anchor Bible% EBC = The Expositor s Bible Commentary% IB = The Interpreter s Bible% 10

11 Bible Location CAPERNAUM in Hebrew means Village of Nahum (Kefar Nahum) Location and Description The town lies on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, about two and a half miles from the en- trance of the Jordan River into the Galilean Sea. It was the last town before the border between Galilee and Gaulanitis to the east. As a border town, large revenues of taxes would have been collected at this site. It is conceivable that the reason why these disciples had moved house to Capernaum from Bethsaida was precisely because they could avoid paying repeated taxes as they transported their fresh fish to the places on the western side of the lake where their fish could be preserved (Walker 71). In the first century, Capernaum was a bustling port of international commerce and industry be- cause of the Via Maris or the Way of the Sea running through it. This caravan route from Egypt to Damascus ran near the city along the hills. Food and grain markets abundantly displayed crops from the region. A custom-house employed tax-gatherers (publicans) to obtain a toll on travelers. Mat- thew was called to follow Jesus from the receipt of customs where he worked as a publican (Matt. 9:9; Mark 2:14). A Roman garrison housed Roman soldiers. Perhaps this is where the Roman centurion was from who came to Jesus to ask him to heal his favored servant. The official residence of Herod Antipas representative was located there. A thriving fishing industry exported a variety of fish caught from the fresh waters of the Galilean Sea. Jews and Gentiles lived together all around the Lake in uneasy cohabitation. Jesus and Capernaum Jesus adopts this town after Nazareth rejects him. It was the perfect starting point for him to conduct his ministry. There was re- ceptivity and open thought, a busy highway with traffic from all over the Roman world, a population of liberal-thinking Jews and Gentiles, and places to retreat in prayer. Throughout the next two and a half to three years, Jesus made many circuits throughout Galilee to preach the gospel of the kingdom and to heal. The Gospels remind readers that Jesus was at home in this region (Matt. 4:13; Matt. 9:1; Mark 1:21; Luke 4:31; John 2:12). For practical purposes, Jesus used Peter s house as his headquarters for his two-and-a-half-year mission. He taught, preached and healed mainly in the Galilee region and in three towns: Capernaum, Bethsaida and Chorazin. Capernaum from the Sea of Galilee Peter s home in Capernaum 11

12 Bible Location Peter lived in Capernaum and had a home and family there (Matt. 8:5, 14; Mark 1:21, 29; Luke 4:31, 38). He was in the fishing business with his brother Andrew, and James and John, and Zebe- dee, their father. A house structure from the first century stands across the street from the synagogue. Called St. Peter s House, it appears to have been remodeled multiple times for use as a Christian house-church. Christian graffiti, dating from the second century to the first half of the fourth century, has been discovered. Markings of floral crosses, flowers and fruits, which scholars surmise to symbolize paradise, have been found on the walls. Greek inscriptions were also discovered some with the name Peter, oth- ers with the Greek word for fish. The initial letters of the word fish in Greek spell out the Chris- tian acrostic, Jesus Christ, God s Son, Savior. Other Greek inscriptions found in this area include Christ have mercy, and Lord Jesus Christ help. Other disciples from Capernaum Five disciples were chosen from here: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Levi or Matthew (Matt. 4:18; Matt. 10:2; John 21:2). Jesus curses Capernaum Capernaum was cursed by Jesus because of the inhabitants lack of receptivity to his healing work (Matt. 11:20, 23, 24; Luke 10:15). Matt. 11: Woe unto thee, Chorazin woe unto thee, Bethsaida for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. Jesus in the synagogue Some of Jesus first teachings happened in the synagogue in Capernaum. The elders of the city said that a Roman centu- rion, a Gentile, had it built for the Jews (Luke 7:5). In the first century, the synagogue would have been very modest. The synagogue standing in Capernaum today is one of the best preserved in all of Palestine. Constructed around the third or fourth 12

13 Bible Location century CE, it is built on the black basalt foundation of the original synagogue, perhaps the one that Jesus and the disciples attended. The third-century synagogue is over 65 feet long and two stories high. It was built out of white limestone, had a gabled roof and three sides which were equipped with three galleries in which the women could worship. A pillar was found in the area with the inscription: Alphaeus, son of Zebedee, son of John, made this column; on him be blessing. It would seem from this inscription that the association of the Alphaeus, Zebedee, and John families persisted for many centuries. Archaeologists also discovered a depiction of the Ark of the Covenant on wheels, a sculptured meno- rah (or seven-branched candlestick) with the shofar (or ram s horn), the shovel used for incense, and the Star of David (known as the pentagram) on several stones. Jesus healing activity in Capernaum For 23 months, this city was the center of Jesus healing activity and teaching. More healings by Jesus occurred in Capernaum than in any other town. Because of this, Capernaum becomes one of the most important sites in the Gospel accounts of Jesus life. Recorded healings in Capernaum A man with an unclean spirit (Mark 1:21-26; Luke 4:31-37) Peter s mother-in-law sick with fever (Matt. 8:14, 15; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38, 39) The centurion s servant (Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10) The palsied man carried by four friends (Matt. 9:2-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26) Jairus daughter raised from the dead (Matt. 9:18-26; Mark 5:22-43; Luke 8:41-56) A woman with an issue of blood (Matt. 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48) The blind and dumb demoniac (Matt. 9:27-33) Sources: Jesus and His Times. Ed. Kaari Ward et al. Pleasantville: Reader s Digest Assn., Merrill, Kathryn L. and Kristy L. Christian. In Jesus Time. Highland City: Rainbow, Shotwell, Berenice Myers. Getting Better Acquainted with Your Bible. Kennebunkport: Shadwold, Teringo, J. Robert. The Land & People Jesus Knew. Minneapolis: Bethany, Walker, Peter. In The Steps of Jesus. Oxford: Lion Hudson, Photos Biblos Foundation 13

14 Palestine Map PALESTINE IN THE TIME OF JESUS MEDITERRANEAN SEA MT.CARMEL Ptolemais (Accho) Tyre Cana Sarepta (Zarephath) PHOENICIA GALILEE Nain Sidon Chorazin Capernaum Magdala Sea of Tiberias Galilee Nazareth MT.HERMON Caesarea Philippi GAULANITIS Bethsaida Gergesa Gadara TRACHONITIS BATANAEA Damascus Caesarea SAMARIA Scythopolis Aenon Bethabara (?) Pella DECAPOLIS AURANITIS Samaria Shechem Sychar MT.GERIZIM Antipatris Joppa Lydda Arimathaea Bethel Ephraim Jordan River PERAEA Philadelphia (Rabbath-ammon) Gaza Azotus (Ashdad) Emmaus Jerusalem Bethlehem JUDAEA Hebron Jericho Bethany Qumran Dead Sea Gaza Machaerus MILEAGES TO JERUSALEM ARABIA Beer-sheba IDUMAEA Masada Bethany 2 Bethlehem 5 Caesarea Philippi 105 Cana 65 Capernaum 79 Emmaus 6 Jericho 17 Nain 58 Nazareth 63 Sychar 30 14

15 Raising Jairus Daughter Greek Term The following terms are from: Thayer, Joseph Henry, trans. The New Thayer s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament; Peabody: Hendrickson, believe: pisteuo in Greek: Teachers - you can cut and paste this definition to a 3x5 card and keep for future reference.% 15

16 Art Gallery Gustave Dove, Raising Jairus Daughter 16