Mark 5:22-42

This is the account of the healing of Jairus’ daughter. As mentioned yesterday, right in the middle of this story is the healing of the woman with the issue of blood. Jesus was on His way to Jairus’ house when He stopped because of the faith of this woman, who was healed as she touched the hem of His robe.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but think that this delay may have added stress to Jairus’ situation. In his mind, time was of the essence. Then he received the devastating news: “Your daughter is dead. There is no use troubling the Teacher now.”

I love what Jesus says to Jairus next: “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” In that moment, He gave Jairus the hope he so desperately needed. Just have faith.

Jesus had already shown that death was no obstacle—He had raised the widow’s son from the dead. Still, hearing that his own daughter had died had to be a crushing blow to Jairus. Real emotions had to be navigated.

Jesus then stopped the crowd and allowed only Peter, James, and John to go with Him to Jairus’ house. When they arrived, He sent the mourners away, for their actions and attitudes were not conducive to faith—or to what Jesus knew He was about to do.

There is that word again: faith. “Just have faith,” Jesus said.

There is nothing Jesus cannot do. He can take even a mustard seed of faith on our part and accomplish tremendous things. Our part is to trust Him—to simply, and steadfastly, have faith.