A Ruler's Desperate Plea and a Divine Interruption
The account of Jesus raising Jairus's daughter from the dead is a profoundly moving narrative, rich with theological implications and lessons for the believer. Recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, it stands as a powerful testament to the Lord Jesus Christ's authority over life and death, and His unwavering compassion. Our primary focus will draw from the detailed account in Mark chapter 5.
The story begins with Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, approaching Jesus in a state of profound distress. His beloved daughter, a child of twelve years, lay at the point of death. Jairus, humbling himself before the Lord, fell at Jesus' feet and pleaded earnestly with Him:
And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
This desperate plea from a man of authority, who would typically hold a position of respect in the community, underscores the severity of his situation and his absolute trust in Jesus' power. Jesus, ever compassionate, immediately responded to his faith, and "went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him" (Mark 5:24).
As Jesus made His way to Jairus's house, a significant and divinely orchestrated interruption occurred. A woman who had suffered from an issue of blood for twelve long years, despite consulting many physicians and spending all her possessions, found herself in a worse condition. She had heard of Jesus, and with a desperate hope, she came in the press behind Him, believing that if she could but touch His garment, she would be made whole.
For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
Immediately, her bleeding stopped. Jesus, sensing that virtue had gone out of Him, turned and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" While His disciples were perplexed by the question amidst the throng, the woman, knowing what was done in her, came forward trembling, and told Him the whole truth. Jesus, with tender affirmation, declared to her:
Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
This "delay" was not an accident but a divine appointment, showcasing Jesus's power to heal through faith and His deep compassion for the suffering. It also served as a prelude, perhaps strengthening Jairus's faith for the news he was about to receive.
The Crushing News and the Comforting Command
While Jesus was still speaking to the woman, messengers arrived from Jairus's house, bringing the most dreaded news:
While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
This was a crushing blow. All hope, humanly speaking, seemed lost. The implication was clear: Jesus's presence was no longer needed, as death had already claimed its victory. Yet, Jesus, hearing their words, immediately turned to Jairus and offered words of profound comfort and instruction, cutting through the despair:
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
This command, "Be not afraid, only believe," is a central theme of the narrative. It calls Jairus, and indeed all believers, to an unwavering faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances. Death is the ultimate human enemy, yet Jesus declares His authority over it by calling for continued belief.
Upon arriving at Jairus's house, Jesus allowed only Peter, James, and John to accompany Him inside, an indication of the solemn and sacred nature of the miracle about to unfold. Inside, they found a scene of commotion, weeping, and wailing, customary for a house of mourning. Jesus entered and, confronting the mourners, declared:
Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
The crowd, knowing she was dead, laughed Him to scorn. Their unbelief and mockery highlight the stark contrast between human understanding and divine truth. Jesus, undeterred by their skepticism, put them all out, preparing the way for a private and powerful demonstration of His Lordship over death.
"Talitha Cumi": The Call to Life
With only the father, the mother, and His three chosen disciples present, Jesus entered the room where the child lay. Taking her by the hand, He uttered two Aramaic words, pregnant with divine authority:
And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
The effect was instantaneous and miraculous. "And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years" (Mark 5:42). The astonishment of her parents and the disciples was immense, a "great astonishment." Jesus then gave a strict charge that no one should know what had happened, and with characteristic compassion, He commanded that something be given her to eat, acknowledging her restored physical needs.
Enduring Lessons for the Believer
The raising of Jairus's daughter from the dead offers several profound biblical lessons for those who seek to walk by faith:
- The Absolute Sovereignty of Christ Over Death: Jesus's declaration that the girl was "not dead, but sleepeth" is a powerful theological statement. For Christ, death is not an ultimate end but a temporary state, a sleep from which He can awaken. This miracle unequivocally demonstrates His divine power and authority over life and death itself, foreshadowing His own resurrection and His power to raise all who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).
- The Power of Persistent Faith in Despair: Jairus's faith was initially evident in his plea to Jesus. However, it was truly tested and proven in the face of the devastating news of his daughter's death. Jesus's immediate command, "Be not afraid, only believe," was a direct call to sustain faith beyond all human hope. This teaches us that true faith clings to Christ even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless and beyond remedy.
- Divine Timing and Purpose in Interruption: The healing of the woman with the issue of blood was not an inconvenient delay but a divinely purposed event. It showcased Jesus's power and compassion, affirmed the woman's faith, and perhaps served to strengthen Jairus's resolve and faith before he received the news of his daughter's death. God's timing is perfect, even when it appears to us as a delay or detour (Isaiah 55:8-9).
- The Compassion and Humanity of Christ: Jesus's willingness to go with Jairus, His gentle words to the woman, His comfort to the distraught father, and even His practical instruction to feed the newly resurrected girl, all underscore His profound compassion. He cares not only for our spiritual state but also for our physical well-being.
- The Nature of Death for Believers: Jesus's description of death as "sleep" offers immense comfort to believers. For those who are in Christ, death is not a terrifying finality but a temporary rest, from which they will be awakened by the Lord's call at the resurrection. This truth transforms our perspective on mortality.
- The Importance of Discretion in Miracles: Jesus often commanded silence after His miracles. This was likely to avoid premature public fervor, to prevent His Messiahship from being misinterpreted as purely political, or to focus on His teaching rather than merely His wonders. It also highlights the sacred, intimate nature of such divine interventions.
- The Exclusivity of Witness: Taking only Peter, James, and John into the room with Him signifies their special role as witnesses to profound and pivotal moments in Jesus's ministry, including the Transfiguration and the agony in Gethsemane.
A Testament to Life and Faith
The story of Jesus raising Jairus's daughter from the dead is far more than a mere historical account; it is a profound revelation of the person and power of Jesus Christ. It assures us that He is truly the Son of God, the Lord of life, who holds ultimate authority even over the grave. It is a narrative that encourages us to approach Him with unwavering faith, even when our circumstances seem utterly hopeless and death appears to have won.
Jairus's journey from desperation to astonishment, from grief to joy, serves as a powerful reminder that with Christ, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23). This miracle stands as an enduring testament to God's boundless love, His perfect timing, and His ultimate triumph over sin and death, offering hope to all who trust in His life-giving power.