he demoniac healed. (1-20) A woman healed. (21-34) The
daughter of Jairus raised. (35-43)
Verses 1-20: Some openly wilful sinners are like this madman. The
commands of the law are as chains and fetters, to restrain
sinners from their wicked courses; but they break those bands in
sunder; and it is an evidence of the power of the devil in them.
A legion of soldiers consisted of six thousand men, or more.
What multitudes of fallen spirits there must be, and all enemies
to God and man, when here was a legion in one poor wretched
creature! Many there are that rise up against us. We are not a
match for our spiritual enemies, in our own strength; but in the
Lord, and in the power of his might, we shall be able to stand
against them, though there are legions of them. When the vilest
transgressor is delivered by the power of Jesus from the bondage
of Satan, he will gladly sit at the feet of his Deliverer, and
hear his word, who delivers the wretched slaves of Satan, and
numbers them among his saints and servants. When the people
found that their swine were lost, they had a dislike to Christ.
Long-suffering and mercy may be seen, even in the corrections by
which men lose their property while their lives are saved, and
warning given them to seek the salvation of their souls. The man
joyfully proclaimed what great things Jesus had done for him.
All men marvelled, but few followed him. Many who cannot but
wonder at the works of Christ, yet do not, as they ought, wonder
after him.
Verses 21-34: A despised gospel will go where it will be better
received. One of the rulers of a synagogue earnestly besought
Christ for a little daughter, about twelve years old, who was
dying. Another cure was wrought by the way. We should do good,
not only when in the house, but when we walk by the way, (De
6:7). It is common with people not to apply to Christ till they
have tried in vain all other helpers, and find them, as
certainly they will, physicians of no value. Some run to
diversions and gay company; others plunge into business, or even
into intemperance; others go about to establish their own
righteousness, or torment themselves by vain superstitions. Many
perish in these ways; but none will ever find rest to the soul
by such devices; while those whom Christ heals of the disease of
sin, find in themselves an entire change for the better. As
secret acts of sin, so secret acts of faith, are known to the
Lord Jesus. The woman told all the truth. It is the will of
Christ that his people should be comforted, and he has power to
command comfort to troubled spirits. The more simply we depend
on Him, and expect great things from him, the more we shall find
in ourselves that he is become our salvation. Those who, by
faith, are healed of their spiritual diseases, have reason to go
in peace.
Verses 35-43: We may suppose Jairus hesitating whether he should ask
Christ to go on or not, when told that his daughter was dead.
But have we not as much occasion for the grace of God, and the
comfort of his Spirit, for the prayers of our ministers and
Christian friends, when death is in the house, as when sickness
is there? Faith is the only remedy against grief and fear at
such a time. Believe the resurrection, then fear not. He raised
the dead child to life by a word of power. Such is the gospel
call to those who are by nature dead in trespasses and sins. It
is by the word of Christ that spiritual life is given. All who
saw it, and heard of it, admired the miracle, and Him that
wrought it. Though we cannot now expect to have our dead
children or relatives restored, we may hope to find comfort
under our trials.
he demoniac healed. (1-20) A woman healed. (21-34) The
daughter of Jairus raised. (35-43)