Mark 5:36

New International Version

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

For Meditation

Against all odds, this synagogue ruler came to Jesus and prostrated before Him, pleading earnestly with Him to come and heal his dying daughter (Mk. 5:22). His kind did not accept the ministry of Jesus and had rallied against Him at every opportunity, but Jairus went to Him. He had a great need, but that was not the only reason for his approach to Jesus. Not everybody goes to the Lord in their time of need.

Though a severe foot disease afflicted King Asa in the latter part of his reign, he did not seek help from the Lord (2 Chronicles 16:12) because God had rebuked him, and he did not like it (7-10). For Jairus, it was more than a personal need. He went because he had trusted the ministry of Jesus. Somehow, he may have concluded that Jesus is the Messiah. However, he could not declare it in public because of his position.

Not this time. The daughter made all the difference. Why should he fear the people and see his daughter die before him when the Healer was right there for the asking? Unlike Nicodemus, Jairus did not wait for nightfall to go pleading. In front of the multitude, he went and fell at the Master’s feet and confessed his helplessness and need on behalf of his daughter (22-23). How could Jesus ignore such humility (24)?

Joy bubbled in his heart as he went along with Jesus. His daughter will be well because the Healer had answered his prayer except for the pressing crowd and a hemorrhaging woman for twelve years (25-34).

When the Master moves on your case, time is not of the essence. He has decreed your appointment from eternity past, and no interruption, not even death, can rob you of His life-giving power.

Jairus did not know this, just like all of us. He may have even hated the interruption of the woman who needed the Lord, but Jesus made time for her, anyway. He must reveal the glory of the Father at all times, and this was one of those moments when the healed woman came and worshipped him in confession (30-34).

How about my daughter, Jesus? Jairus may have shouted under his breath. Remember, I was the one who called you.

Have you ever felt that way while you waited for the Lord and saw others receiving their blessings? Which of us has not blamed the devil when adversity, like the news from the house of Jairus, came our way?

“Your daughter is dead… Why bother the teacher anymore?”

Jesus, always the encourager, said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

You might have had high hopes for your situation. It showed positive signs of progress and life, but that has suddenly dropped like lead. What do you do? The church service was excellent yesterday, and the message gave you hope. But this morning, the death notice or some devastating news has broken you.

Please, listen to the words Jesus spoke to Jairus. It was for him then, but the Holy Spirit has written it down for your comfort and edification.

“Don’t be afraid; just believe.”