At what cost?

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. ¹⁹ But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” ²⁰ So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

²¹ Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. ²² Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, ²³ pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.” – Mark 5:18-23

Do you ever run out of steam? Is your cup ever empty. Do you come to the end of your rope before you’ve dealt with all the things you need to deal with?

Watching Jesus going across the Sea of Galilee and back, dealing with a legion of demons, angry villagers, sleepy disciples, and now more people in need. Will he ever run out of steam? Will his compassion fatigue ever kick in? Can he keep up this pace?

He arrives following the demon encounter only to be met by Jairus, the synagogue ruler. His daughter is in need of Jesus’ healing intervention. The man is desperate. He begs Jesus to come to his daughter’s aid. 

Jesus will agree. He will go to the man’s house. He will raise the daughter up and restore her to health. But at what cost?

The Bible is unequivocal that Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). By his stripes we have been healed (Isaiah 53). 

It is also clear that Jesus suffered great physical torment when he was beaten and crucified. He also suffered emotional trauma when he was ridiculed and put to shame before all those gathered at his death. To top it all off even his Heavenly Father forsook him while he hung on the cross. Spiritual, physical, and emotional torment pressed the life from him. 

All this was multiplied by Jesus’ whole approach to ministry. He will not close his heart to anyone. He will let people get to him. He will take on their sorrows, woes, sickness and sin. All these conspired to kill Jesus. It wasn’t just the nails. It wasn’t only the scourging.

Jesus has come to seek and save the lost. To do so will exact a great physical, emotional, and spiritual cost. And he has paid the price.