We often experience mixed emotions—a dizzying mix of competing and conflicting feelings. In those moments, up seems down, and we don’t know which way to turn. That’s the moment a father and synagogue leader found himself in.
We began in our last article with the passage about a father, Jarius, seeking Jesus’ help for his sick and dying child. Mark 5:21-43. Jesus and Jairus were making a beeline for Jairus’s home with a large jostling crowd also seeking Jesus, moving with them. A woman touched the fringe of Jesus’ cloak and was healed. Jesus stopped. Jairus stopped. The crowd stopped.
That moment when Jesus encountered the woman would have been one of dizzying emotions for Jairus. Come on, we’re stopping! Wow, Jesus healed her! Let’s get going, please. A confusing mix of fear and wonder, desperation and marvel. Then, for Jairus, the whole world stopped. “While he (Jesus) was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?” (Mark 5:35, CSB)
That’s it. There’s nothing else to do. We can easily picture what would typically happen. The crowd would move on, leaving Jairus and a few friends behind. But nothing is “normal” when Jesus is near. “When Jesus overheard what was said, he told the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” (Mark 5:36, CSB)
Somehow, Jesus separates from the crowd and only allows Jairus, Peter, James, and John to follow Him. “They came to the leader’s house, and he saw a commotion—people weeping and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, but he put them all outside. He took the child’s father, mother, and those who were with him, and entered the place where the child was. Then he took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum” (which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, get up”). Immediately the girl got up and began to walk. (She was twelve years old.) At this they were utterly astounded. Then he gave them strict orders that no one should know about this and told them to give her something to eat.” (Mark 5:38–43, CSB) Wow!
I want to go back to those words Jesus spoke to Jairus. Those words that cut through his life-shattering mix of emotions. “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” Jesus isn’t asking Jairus to believe in an outcome. That’s a mistake many make. No, Jesus is asking Jairus to place his trust, confidence, and hope in Him. Jesus speaks those same words to us. Especially in times when we are drowning in conflicting emotions and debilitating hopelessness. Don’t be afraid. Only believe. Trust Jesus. I can’t promise you that the outcome will be as miraculous as the dead returning to life. I can promise you that you will find peace.
- Mark: Only Believe - June 18, 2025
- Mark – Go To Jesus - June 16, 2025
- Mark: An Unclean Legion - June 11, 2025
