Faith Beyond Hopelessness
Jesus' resurrection power can bring life to even the most hopeless situations, and we must trust in His Word to experience this power.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the story of Jairus, a ruler who demonstrates true faith by seeking Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Despite the despair of the situation, even when the girl dies, Jesus encourages Jairus not to fear but to believe in His resurrection power. Wilkerson highlights that Jesus allows time to pass to strengthen faith that transcends hopelessness and death. He reassures listeners that Jesus never gives up on the seemingly dead situations in our lives and calls for trust in His life-giving plans. The message is a powerful reminder to hold on to faith, even in the darkest moments.
Text
"One of the rulers of the synagogue ... fell at [Jesus'] feet and begged Him earnestly saying, 'My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live'" (Mark 5:22).
When this ruler, Jairus, ran to Jesus, he was affirming true faith: "Lord, all my daughter needs is you. You have all power and you can keep her from dying!" Jairus represents most of Christianity. We know Christ is our only hope, and in our times of crisis we run to him, fall at his feet, and seek his mercy and help. Responding to the faith of Jairus, "Jesus went with him" (verse 24).
Even while his heart was filled with great hope, Jairus also may have been struck by a terrible thought: "What if we're too late? It's wonderful to have Jesus by my side, but we need time. We need Jesus and time!" Most likely the people looking on said among themselves, "Jesus is the great physician but he'd better hurry -- she may die at any minute." And what happened? The little girl died!
Why did Jesus permit time to run out? Because he wanted his followers to have faith in his resurrection power -- faith that goes beyond hopelessness, beyond even death! "Some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, 'Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" (5:35). And Jesus instantly said, "Do not be afraid; only believe" (5:36).
Jesus never gives up on the dead! Walking right into a terrible scene of confusion, doubt and fear, he proclaimed words of life: "Little girl, I say to you, arise" (5:41).
Is there great commotion and upheaval in your life? Grieving? Confusion? Oppression? It could be because you do not believe that Jesus can resurrect what is dead. Believe that Jesus knows what he is doing; he has a life-giving plan for you, so don't give up. Jesus will work a miracle if you will trust in his Word.
Sermon Outline
- I. True Faith
- A. Affirming Jesus' power and authority
- B. Seeking Jesus' mercy and help in times of crisis
- II. The Limitations of Hope
- A. The need for time and Jesus' presence
- B. The fear of being too late
- III. Faith Beyond Hopelessness
- A. Trusting in Jesus' resurrection power
- B. Believing in Jesus' life-giving plan
- IV. The Power of Jesus' Word
- A. Jesus' ability to resurrect what is dead
- B. The importance of trusting in Jesus' Word
Key Quotes
“Jesus never gives up on the dead!” — David Wilkerson
“Do not be afraid; only believe.” — David Wilkerson
“Little girl, I say to you, arise.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- When faced with great commotion and upheaval in life, don't give up - believe that Jesus can resurrect what is dead.
- Trust in Jesus' life-giving plan and His ability to bring life to those who are struggling.
- Believe that Jesus knows what He is doing, even when things seem hopeless.