Read Mark 5:21–24. What characteristics particularly stand outabout Jairus?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Religious leaders such as Jairus were not typically friends with Jesus(see Mark 1:22; Mark 3:2, 6; and Luke 13:14). So it is likely that heis desperate. This desperation is exemplified by Jairus’s falling onhis knees before Jesus. His plea is understandable to any parent—hisdaughter is dying. But he has faith that Jesus can help. Without a word,Jesus departs with the father to go to his home.Read Mark 5:25–34. What interrupts the progress toward Jairus’s house?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The story suddenly cuts away to another scene that evokes pity—awoman experiencing 12 terrible years of sickness. This story of Jairusand the woman is the second sandwich story in Mark (see Mark 3:20–35, covered in lesson 3). In this story the contrasting characters, Jairusand the woman, come to Jesus for help.The woman comes up behind Jesus and touches His clothing.Immediately, she is well. But Jesus stops and asks, “Who touched Myclothes?”The woman, who had been so sick, was suddenly well. Yet, she fearedthat Jesus was angry at what had happened. It was a wild ride for heremotions. But Jesus wanted to heal not only her body but also her soul.Then, back to Jairus (see Mark 5:35–43). It was a wild ride of emotions for the synagogue ruler, as well. Jesus allowed no one else to gowith Him and the parents except Peter, James, and John. Jesus states thatthe girl is not dead but asleep. He casts out all the mourners and goesinto the room where the dead girl lay. Taking her hand, He says, “Talithakoum.” Mark translates these words, “Little girl, get up.” Actually, theword Talitha means “lamb” and thus would be a term of endearment fora child in the home. The command to keep things secret is part of therevelation/secrecy motif that runs through Mark and points toward whoJesus is and that, ultimately, He cannot remain hidden.