“Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”
Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, was especially anxious to see Jesus because he had a twelve year old daughter who was dying. He urgently begged Jesus to go with him quickly. But the multitudes thronged Him, hindering His progress.
Meanwhile a messenger arrived with the news that Jairus’ daughter was dead, and that therefore the Teacher’s services would no longer be needed. There was faith that He could heal, but none that He could raise the dead.
Jesus answered with words of comfort, encouragement, and promise. “Do not be afraid; only believe and she will be made well.”
As soon as He arrived at the home, He went to the room, taking with Him only Peter, James, and John, along with the parents. Everyone was wailing in despair, but Jesus told them to stop because the girl was not dead but sleeping. This caused them to ridicule Him, because they were positive that she was dead. Jesus knew that He is going to raise the dead child. Jesus said to her, “Little girl, arise.” She arose immediately. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.
There was faith that He could heal, but none that He could raise the dead. Jairus believed when Jesus said,“Do not be afraid; only believe and she will be made well.”
Dear reader, what about you? How much faith do you have in Jesus? Do you have faith that He died for your sins? Do you have faith that He is going to come again? “According to your faith will it be done to you.” (Matt. 9:29).
Jesus raises Jairus' dead daughter