By Liz Breaux
Mark 5:35-36
While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Ignoring what they said,Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
My oldest daughter turns twelve this season. That’s the same age of the unnamed girl raised to life in this passage. The story of Jairus and his daughter’s miraculous healing speaks to me more than ever. Jairus desperately pursued Jesus and pleaded with Him to quickly come heal his child. In His perfect timing, however, Jesus did not rush but continued to minister among the crowd. Even when reports arrived that she had passed, even when it appeared hopeless and impossible to others, Jairus continued to seek Jesus’ help. He trusted Jesus alone to save. Then, the miraculous happened. Jesus said, “Little girl, I say to you, get up,” and she did!
Jesus performed this miracle while ministering in Galilee. It foreshadows His own death and resurrection and demonstrates His ultimate authority as God’s Son.
Today, this story calls me to examine my current trust level with Jesus—who conquered death and breathed new life into my own soul. Am I like Jairus, who patiently trusted Jesus’ timing and authority over life, family, resources…everything? Do I cling to the promises of His second coming and eternal life when things appear hopeless from my limited, human perspective? Does my life point others to the victory found in Jesus alone?
As we search our hearts, I pray we respond in faith as Jairus did. Let us chase after Jesus, invite Him into our homes, and trust Him regardless of circumstances. I pray that whether the miracles occur here on earth or we await wholeness in heaven, we trust His goodness and timing.
Pray with me…
Lord, increase our faith and remove our fears so we can see Your eternal workings all around us. Help us fervently pursue You while we anticipate the day when we join Jairus and all the saints in worshiping You forever. Amen.