Jairus's Men Reported His Daughter Was Dead

By Mary Vee
Mark 5

From Jairus's Journal 

On the Sea of Galilee facing the shore where
this story takes place.
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Jairus. I am a Jewish ruler of the synogogue. The other rulers don't want anything to do with a man named Jesus who has been walking throughout the land and talking with crowds. They are bothered that His teachings will lead the people away from following them.

We as rulers have expanded the sacred laws written and given by God to Moses to help the people better worship God. We want to hold the people to a high standard and by doing the things we say, God will love them more.

But this man, Jesus. Though he is a Jew, he is different. I'd heard he has healed people from their diseases. My daughter is close to death. Immediately after hearing that news, I didn't care that He didn't follow our rules, I only cared that He could heal a sick person and maybe, my daughter.

I love my sweet little girl so very much. I ran from my house to the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Capernaum to watch for Jesus' return and to beg Him to come heal my daughter. 

Moments ago he returned by boat with his disciples. Shortly after they stepped onto the shore, I ran to him, fell at his feet and begged him to come heal my daughter. I offered to do whatever he asked in return. He said he would help my little girl and turned to follow me. The crowds who came to see what Jesus would say today, followed us. 

We had a slight delay on the way. A woman apparently touched Jesus' garment. He stopped walking and called out to her. She came forward. I saw nothing wrong with her. She and the people around her affirmed she'd had a blood disease for many years. When I looked at her, she seemed completly healed. That is what I want for my daughter.

While Jesus was still speaking to the woman, some men from my house ran toward us. They craned their necks to see me. I waved to them. They broked through the crowd and delivered this message: "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher any more."

I'd hardly had a chance to think about their message when Jesus turned and said, "Don't be afraid. Just believe."

We walked the rest of the way to my house. Jesus stopped at the door and told the crowds who were weeping and wailing, "You must stay outside." He then said, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." The crowds laughed at him as though he was crazy. Jesus only let three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John come into my house after they said that.

I led them inside. My wife was weeping. Her eyes stained red. I put my arm on her and said, "All will be well. This is Jesus." She greeted him and pointed to our daughter's room. She led the way.

Jesus turned to those weeping in our home. "Do not follow us into the child's room."

We entered my child's room. There my darling daughter lay. Only twelve years old. Her eyes closed. Pale in skin. I could not see her breathe. She appeared dead. I drew in a breath and held back tears.

Jesus reached for my daughter's hand and wrapped his around hers. He said, "Talitha koum!" These words mean, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!"

Immediately my little girl's eyes opened. She looked up at Jesus and smiled. Her color returned to her face. She allowed Jesus to help her sit up then stand, but then she slid her hand away from his and walked around the room.

My heart raced with joy! I turned to my wife and hugged her. Her eyes still wide. Her smile, more joyful than I'd seen in a long time. 

Jesus smiled too. He had such peace on his face. This man who had stopped all he planned to came to my home and showed such kindness by healing my daughter said, "Don't tell anyone about this. Get your daughter something to eat right away."

My wife hurried out of the room to get her food. While she was gone, I hugged my daughter. My sweet daughter who was healed by Jesus.

We served Jesus and his men a meal. It was the least we could do. Actually, it was nothing compared to what Jesus did for us. He saved our daughter's life, and I will never forget.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.