This chapter is primarily about faith. The healing of a demon-possessed man, revival of a religious official’s (dead) daughter, and the healing a chronically-bleeding woman, are all made possible through faith in God / Jesus.
“Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.’ …there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ ” (v22-23, 35-36)
Just as the bleeding woman was healed by her faith, so Jairus’ daughter is raised from the dead. It seems that Jesus’ miracles (the power of God) are directed at two main types of people – those who already show great faith in Him (eg. Jairus and the woman), and those who will show great faith in Him once they experience His power (eg. the demon-possessed man). There are also many witnesses who are not direct recipients of God’s power, who believe (have faith) by seeing God’s power.
God uses His power for one main purpose – to bring Himself glory. No, He’s not a narcissist, because narcissism includes delusion, and self-aggrandization. God is the absolute greatest, no contest. So, He is neither delusional nor self-aggrandizing when He acts out of the truth of His greatness. God created us for out of love for His pleasure, and our benefit (it’s not His fault we sinned and broke a flawless world / relationship).
When we show faith in God, we give Him permission to restore us, bringing us just a little bit closer to the flawless state and relationship His love desires for us. By having absolute faith in Him (faith unto death), we will one day experience a full restoration into His glorious, and eternal presence. So yes, faith is required in order for us, and those around us, to experience the full and unrestrained power of God that He longs to show us; not because He is powerless without our faith, but because He wants to bestow blessing on those who will appreciate and obey Him.
Father God, our Glorious, Merciful, and Gracious Lord, thank you for longing to share Your power and presence with us. Though we cannot fully understand Your ways, we can have faith that all You do and all You say is out of love for Your creation / people. Thank you for showing us a glimpse of Your power not only through Jesus, but also in the world today. May we honor, glorify and praise You in such a way that others also see Your magnificence, so they too grow in faith in You. In the name of Jesus our Savior we obey You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training