Jesus Heals Jairus Daughter
February 12, 2023
Commentary
While Jesus is still talking, someone comes with the news that Jairus’s daughter is dead (v.35). This person also accuses Jesus of not caring, otherwise, He would have hurried to help the girl, and here He is just talking. He implies that they should not fool with this Jesus. Jesus heard what was said but didn’t pay any attention to it. He told Jairus not to be afraid, but to trust Him as everything would be OK (v. 36). He took only His inner circle of Peter, James and John and when they arrived at Jairus’ house they found the place in an uproar with hired professional mourners (vv. 37-38). These mourners with loud voices gathered around the dead body beating their breasts, tearing their hair and ripping their garments. Also it was the custom to eat eggs dipped in ashes and salt.
When Jesus walked into this uproar He rebuked the mourners and told them the girl was not dead but just sleeping (v. 39). They laughed at Him because they thought His hope was foolish (v. 40). They failed to realize that what looks completely impossible with men is possible with God. After this Jesus sent the people out of the house and took the girl’s father and mother into the room where the girl was. He took the girl by the hand, called her by name and everyone was surprised as she got up and started walking around (vv. 41-42). He told them not to tell anyone what happened (v. 43).
The text seems to suggests that the bearers of “Bad News” will always come, but the author of “Good News” is always in control. Jesus hears and ignores what others are saying. He has the last word. He is the author and finisher of our faith.
Application
I need to ask myself this question - Of the people in this account who would be the most like me?
___ Jairus ___ The mourners ___ The three disciples ___ The messenger who told that the girl was dead.
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.
Illustration: Jump The House is On Fire
One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee to the roof. The father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, “Jump! I’ll catch you.” He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As can be imagined, he was afraid to leave the roof. His father kept yelling: “Jump! I will catch you.” But the boy protested, “Daddy, I can’t see you.” The father replied, “But I can see you and that’s all that matters." (Source unknown)