Mark 5:35-43
35 While He was still speaking, people came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why bother the Teacher further?”
36 But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid, only believe.”
37 And He allowed no one to accompany Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.
38 They came to the house of the synagogue official, and He saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing.
39 And after entering, He said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child has not died, but is asleep.”
40 And they began laughing at Him. But putting them all outside, He took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was in bed.
41 And taking the child by the hand, He said to her, “Talitha, kum!” (which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”).
42 And immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astonished.
43 And He gave them strict orders that no one was to know about this, and He told them to have something given her to eat.
Talitha, Kum
The tragic news
The most tragic news to human eyes has been delivered. Jesus, on the way to the house of Jairus the synagogue official, healed a hemorrhaging woman, which took quite some time. Now, some men came from Jairus’ house, reporting, “Your daughter has died; why bother the Teacher further?” These words sound proper, but upon closer examination, we can see the despair, the resignation, the disbelief, and the human limitations. Jairus’ faith is being tested here. Is God truly only capable of doing good? Jesus can heal the sick, but can he do nothing more? Jesus says to Jairus, who was silent in despair, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” Today, Jesus speaks the same words to you. “Do not be afraid, only believe.”
Jesus’ answer
Jesus was delayed on the way, so Jairus’ daughter died without being healed. However, through this tragedy, Jesus revealed a greater glory. (1) Jesus accompanied only a few people with faith. Peter, John, and James were chosen from among the disciples. Without faith, one cannot witness God’s work. (2) Seeing the mourners, Jesus said, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child has not died, but is asleep.” Jesus always remains in control of the situation. Even the reality of death is under His authority. For Jesus, death is not annihilation but a state of sleep. (3) Jesus did not make a big commotion to bring the girl back to life. He simply said, “Talitha kum (Little girl, I say to you, get up).” Jesus’ words have the power to raise the dead. (4) When the girl came back to life, her parents were extremely astonished. However, Jesus commanded them not to make this miracle public, so that the girl wouldn’t become a spectacle for the curious. The more hopeless the situation, the greater God’s glory is revealed. Let us learn to praise the Lord in all circumstances.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, please free me from despair, hopelessness, doubt, and human limitations. I believe that nothing is impossible for You, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.