Only Peter, James and John - Mark 5:37

Mark wrote how Jesus was on the way to Jairus' house because his daughter was dying. Along the way a woman with an issue of blood came behind Jesus and was determined to be healed if she only touched His clothes. She was cured and Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you whole; go in peace, and be whole of your plague.” Mark continued, “While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Your daughter is dead: why trouble you the Master any further?As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he said unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.”, and in chapter five and verse thirty-seven of his book, Mark writes how Jesus allowed only, “Peter, and James, and John the brother of James” to go forward with Him where we read:

And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

The verse reads, “And he suffered no man to follow him, ...” Mark began with the words, “and he suffered” or “and Jesus allowed and permitted” “no man” which means “no other person whether male or female” “to follow him” or “to accompany Jesus Himself”. Mark shared how Jesus limited those who would have access to what He was about to do within Jairus' house.

The verse goes on to say, “... save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.” Mark continued with the words, “save Peter” which means “except for Peter whose name means little rock or stone”, “and James” “whose name means supplanter and was a son of Zebedee”, “and John” which means “and John whose name means Jehovah is a gracious giver” “the brother of James” or “John was James' physical brother”. Mark shared how Jesus made exception for His disciples “Peter, James and John” to “follow” behind Him.

When we consider Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus did not just let anyone go into certain places where He ministered. As He went to Jairus' house, He only allowed “Peter, James and John” to accompany Him, and for certain reasons these men were given this special privilege. Though God works in the lives of all people, there are certain times where only particular ones are allowed to watch Him work. He has His reasons, and when there are limitations to the positions and offices He deems are necessary, those who are wise will understand God's Kingdom is His, and He may do with it as He chooses.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus, “saw the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".