Sometimes You’ve Got to Clear the Room

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 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.  And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. (Mark 5:36-42)

Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, sought out Jesus because his twelve-year-old daughter was gravely ill. Before Jesus and Jairus could arrive at the house, news came that she had died, and they no longer needed to go there. Mark recorded that Jesus didn’t hesitate when he heard this but immediately told Jairus, “Be not afraid. Only believe.” Then they continued their walk to his house.

When they arrived, a crowd had gathered, crying and making a fuss. Jesus told them she wasn’t dead but sleeping, and they laughed at Him as if He were a fool! The unbelief in that group was strong. So, Jesus cleared the room, allowing only His three closest disciples and the girl’s parents. He told the girl to arise, and she did. 

I’ve had to do just what Jesus did: clear the room to get fearful, tearful, doubting, but loving family members out so I could minister as God directed me. Because I did, someone was able to live out God’s plans for their life.

Practical Application

God still heals, but sometimes we need to clear the room of doubt and fear.

Luke 8:50; Mark 9:23