Devotionals

Diminished

by Jennifer Woodley 
06/11/17
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Diminished

‘Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet’ Mark 5:22 (NRSV)

What a sight to see! A highly respected public figure prostrating himself before a carpenter from Galilee. Although a leader of the synagogue, an influential and authoritive man, Jairus knew his position before Christ. He knew who was greater. Before the Saviour, Jairus was just like any other man. His position and power diminished in Christ’s presence.

In order to receive from Jesus, we must become small. We must approach Christ with a posture of humility that is willing to cast aside the recognitions that we have accumulated in this world. We cannot cling to our position, our trophies, our awards or our status. Before Christ our achievements are nothing. Jairus, regardless of his position amongst his peers in the synagogue, was just like us - a broken, sinful man in need of a Saviour. In need of the greatest man who walked among men who could offer him both a forgiveness that would wash him clean and a love that would raise up his daughter and restore her health.

Jairus was humble enough to know that the rules and traditions of men could never reconcile him to Christ. We all need the healing, redeeming power of love, but are we humble enough to receive it? Like Jairus, we must become diminished and broken. Then the Lord will hear when we call to him and deliver us from our troubles (Psalm 34:6).  Are we ready fall at his feet? What keeps us from approaching Christ and fully surrendering to him? Jesus waits wanting to restore what is broken.