A Desperate Plea: Faith Amidst the Multitude
The earthly ministry of Jesus Christ was marked by unparalleled power and profound compassion. Everywhere He went, multitudes followed, drawn by His authoritative teaching and miraculous healings. Among these throngs of people, we encounter a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, whose story, recorded in Mark 5:22-43 (with parallel accounts in Matthew 9:18-26 and Luke 8:40-56), stands as a powerful testament to faith in the face of overwhelming despair and the boundless authority of the Son of God over life and death.
Jairus, a man of considerable standing within his community, found himself in a position where earthly influence was utterly useless. His beloved daughter, a girl of only twelve years, lay at the point of death. In a desperate act of humility and faith, he sought out Jesus. The Gospel of Mark paints a vivid picture:
And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, 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 was no casual request. Jairus, a respected leader, prostrated himself before Jesus, demonstrating a remarkable recognition of Jesus's divine power. He didn't ask for a physician; he asked for the Great Physician. He understood that Jesus's touch carried life-giving authority. Jesus, ever compassionate, immediately responded, and "Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him" (Mark 5:24).
The Interruption: Delay and Divine Purpose
As Jesus and Jairus made their way through the dense crowd, an unexpected interruption occurred. A woman, who had suffered from an issue of blood for twelve years, secretly touched the hem of Jesus's garment, believing that even this contact would bring healing. Her faith was rewarded instantly. This diversion, though seemingly a setback for Jairus, serves a crucial purpose in the narrative.
For Jairus, every moment was critical. His daughter was dying, and this delay must have felt agonizing. Yet, in God's perfect timing, this interruption allowed for a profound demonstration of Jesus's power and compassion, not only to the woman but also to Jairus and the surrounding multitude. It showcased Jesus's awareness of every individual need, even amidst the chaos of the crowd. More importantly, it set the stage for a greater miracle, requiring an even deeper trust from Jairus.
While Jesus was still speaking with the woman, the dreaded news arrived:
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?
Imagine the crushing blow to Jairus's heart. His hope, which had been so earnestly placed in Jesus, seemed to vanish in an instant. The situation had gone from critical to seemingly hopeless. All human efforts were now futile. Yet, it is at this very point of utter despair that Jesus steps in with a word of life and hope:
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 central to the entire narrative. It was a direct challenge to Jairus's human understanding and a call to transcend his present circumstances with unwavering faith in Christ's power. It teaches us that even when all hope seems lost, our faith in Christ must not waver.
Arrival at the House: Scorn and Solemnity
Upon reaching Jairus's house, Jesus encountered the typical scene of mourning in that culture:
And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
The house was filled with professional mourners and minstrels, creating a cacophony of grief. Jesus's words, "the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth," were met with scorn and ridicule:
And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
The mourners, confident in their diagnosis of death, mocked Jesus. This highlights a crucial spiritual truth: the natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). What was death to them was but a temporary sleep to the One who is "the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25). Jesus's use of "sleep" for death, also seen with Lazarus (John 11:11), underscores His perspective: death for a believer is not an end but a temporary state from which they will awaken.
Jesus, undeterred by their unbelief and mockery, cleared the room. He allowed only Peter, James, John, and the girl's parents to remain. This act emphasized the sacred and intimate nature of the miracle about to unfold. It was not a public spectacle for the unbelieving masses, but a profound demonstration of divine power witnessed by a select few who would bear witness to His glory.
The Miracle: "Talitha Cumi"
Within the solemn quiet of the room, Jesus approached the deceased girl. He took her hand, a gesture of tenderness and connection, and spoke words that pierced the veil of death:
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 command was simple, direct, and authoritative. "Talitha cumi" – a mere two Aramaic words – shattered the finality of death. The result was instantaneous and undeniable:
And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
She didn't merely stir; she "arose, and walked." This was not a resuscitation; it was a resurrection. Her life was fully restored, demonstrating Jesus's absolute sovereignty over death itself. The parents, who moments before had been consumed by grief, were now filled with "great astonishment" – an overwhelming joy and wonder at the miraculous power of God.
Immediately following this awe-inspiring miracle, Jesus gave two practical instructions:
Theological Insights and Enduring Lessons
The raising of Jairus's daughter offers profound theological truths and enduring lessons for believers today:
- Jesus's Authority Over Death: This miracle unequivocally demonstrates Jesus's divine power over death, the ultimate enemy. He is the Lord of life, with the inherent ability to call back those who have departed. This foreshadows His own resurrection and assures believers of their future resurrection.
- The Power of Persistent Faith: Jairus's faith was tested by delay and by devastating news. Yet, he held onto Jesus's command: "Be not afraid, only believe." His perseverance in faith, even when circumstances appeared hopeless, was honored by Christ. This teaches us to cling to Jesus's promises even in our darkest hours.
- Compassion and Intimacy of Christ: Jesus's willingness to go with Jairus, His tenderness in taking the girl's hand, and His concern for her physical needs after the miracle, all highlight His deep compassion. By clearing the room, He also showed a desire for an intimate, personal encounter with those who truly believed, rather than a public display for the mocking crowd.
- Death as "Sleep" for Believers: Jesus's description of the girl's death as "sleep" offers immense comfort. For those in Christ, death is not a terrifying end but a temporary rest, from which they will be awakened by the Lord Himself at His coming.
- The Importance of Practical Care: The instruction to "give her meat" reminds us that while God works miracles, He also expects us to engage in practical, earthly care. Our faith should lead to tangible actions of love and provision.
- Divine Discretion: Jesus's command for silence teaches us that not every divine act is meant for public consumption. There are times when God's work is best kept private, to nurture faith and avoid unnecessary sensationalism or opposition.
The story of Jairus's daughter is not merely an ancient account of a miracle; it is a living testimony to the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. It assures us that no situation is too dire, no hope too lost, for His intervention. When we bring our deepest needs to Him, humbling ourselves as Jairus did, and when we hold fast to His words, "Be not afraid, only believe," we can trust that He will act according to His perfect will and glorious power, bringing life even out of the shadow of death.