Jesus Heals Jairus Daughter
February 7, 2020
Commentary
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came with the news that Jairus’s daughter had died (v. 35). They suggested there was no need to trouble Jesus any longer. Their words reflected doubt and a lack of faith. Jesus heard them but did not accept their message. Instead, He told Jairus, “Be not afraid, only believe” (v. 36). He chose to trust God’s power over human fear. Jesus then took Peter, James, and John with Him and went to the house. There, they found loud mourning and confusion, as people cried and expressed deep sorrow in traditional ways (vv. 37–38), showing how quickly people can give in to despair when hope seems lost. Fear tries to steal our faith.
When Jesus entered, He told them the child was not dead but sleeping (v. 39). The people laughed at Him, thinking His words were foolish (v. 40). They could not see beyond what seemed final and hopeless. Jesus then sent them out and took the child’s parents into the room. He took the girl by the hand and said, “Talitha cumi”, which means, “Little girl, arise” (v. 41). Immediately, she stood up and began to walk, and everyone was filled with amazement (v. 42). Jesus then instructed them not to spread the news and told them to give her something to eat (v. 43), reminding us that His miracles are both powerful and personal. His timing is always perfect.
This passage reminds us that bad news will come, but Jesus has the final word. He calls us to trust Him even when situations seem impossible. What people see as the end, Jesus sees as an opportunity for His power. He is the author and finisher of our faith, and He invites us to believe, not fear, in every situation we face, knowing He is always present, able to bring life where there seems to be none.
Application
How I respond when I hear bad news. Do I let fear take control, or do I trust Jesus and believe His promises? When things seem impossible, do I still hold onto faith? Will I trust You when answers do not come? Help me listen to Your voice above doubt, trust Your timing, and believe with all my heart.
Mark 5:35–43 (NET)
35 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader’s house saying, “Your daughter has died. Why trouble the teacher any longer?” 36 But Jesus, paying no attention to what was said, told the synagogue leader, “Do not be afraid; just believe.” 37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the synagogue leader where he saw noisy confusion and people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 When he entered he said to them, “Why are you distressed and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep!” 40 And they began making fun of him. But he forced them all outside, and he took the child’s father and mother and his own companions and went into the room where the child was. 41 Then, gently taking the child by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up.” 42 The girl got up at once and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). They were completely astonished at this. 43 He strictly ordered that no one should know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
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