How to come to Jesus

Sometimes we’re faced with a situation where we know we need Jesus but we don’t know how to start, what to say or how to come. In Mark 5, we meet a desperate dad who is also a synagogue leader. He’s not over-thinking what he should say or how he should come. He just comes. The text reads:

Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” And he went with him. (ESV)

Here are a few things we learn about coming to Jesus from Jairus, a dad of a twelve year old girl and Ruling Elder of the synagogue:

• He comes Risking – Being highly respected both socially and morally as a Jewish church leader, he risks his reputation along with possible censure by the Religious establishment by coming to Jesus in broad daylight. The Jewish leaders did not care for Jesus and even treated him as the enemy so Jairus comes to Jesus risking everything that he’s earned: status, reputation, job security, friendships, etc.

• He comes Humbly– Falling at Jesus’ feet daring not to come as an equal. He doesn’t come demanding, he doesn’t come looking for a favor based on the merit of his religious status or morality. He comes looking for something that he doesn’t deserve.

• He comes with Surprising Confidence– Believing that Jesus has the power to actually heal his daughter from the disease which places her at death’s door, Jairus possesses a deep confidence in the Person of Jesus Christ. He comes saying in his heart, “Jesus, I’m not worthy, no one else can help, and You can do Everything!”

So here we learn how to come to Jesus. There are no magic words, there is no incantation, there is no attained status or moral integrity which is a prerequisite for coming to Him. We simply need to come risking, humbly, and with surprising confidence.