The Weakness of the High Priest

Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, was a priest of Midian. When he heard all that the Lord had done for him, he came to see Moses, and with him were Moses’ wife and two sons (Exodus 18:1-6). While they talked, Jethro advised Moses: “Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do” (Exodus 18:19-20). In essence, this was the normal function of the high priest (Hebrews 5:1). He was the people’s representative to God and God’s representative to the people.

 

Awakening Jairus’ Only Daughter

from Google Images

A messenger, someone from Jairus’ house, came to tell him his daughter had died (Luke 8:49), and he mentioned to Jairus that Jesus shouldn’t be troubled (G4660) further (Luke 8:49; Mark 5:35). This same Greek word is used by the Roman centurion (Luke 7:6), when he told Jesus it wasn’t necessary for him to enter the centurion’s house. If a Jew entered the home of a gentile it would bring trouble on him from those strictly observant Jews who jealously guarded their separate status, concerning the gentile community (cf. Acts 11:2-3).[1] So, the messenger from Jairus’ home implied, if Jesus continued to the house, Jesus would be troubled or harassed by some of the folks who were already there (cf. Luke 8:53).

 

Peter’s Mother-in-law’s Fever

from Google Images

Jesus was rejected in Nazareth and challenged in Capernaum, but his disciples trusted him, that what he claimed was true (cf. John 1:40-49; 2:11). Knowing this, it seems justified that the text should show that it was Jesus’ disciples who first asked him to do something on their behalf, not as a sign, but as a work of mercy. That is, they appealed to his compassion (Luke 4:38). This is quite different from demanding a sign like changing stones to bread or leaping from a great pinnacle (Luke 4:3, 9). They weren’t looking for signs and wonders that would appeal to their curiosity, but in their compassion for the weak, they appealed to Jesus’ compassion.