Don’t be afraid; just believe

Mark 5:35-43

"35 While He yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

37 And He suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

38 And He cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

39 And when He was come in, He saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

40 And they laughed Him to scorn. But when He had put them all out, He taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with Him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

41 And He took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

43 And He charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat."

Today’s verses record the powerful climax of Jairus’ story: the resurrection of his twelve-year-old daughter. This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ complete authority over death and the vital importance of unwavering faith.

The Test of Faith

While Jesus is still speaking to the woman healed of bleeding, messengers arrive from Jairus’ house with devastating news: “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” The situation shifts from serious illness to apparent impossibility—an ultimate test of faith. Jesus immediately responds: “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

The Atmosphere of Death

At the synagogue leader’s home, Jesus encounters chaotic mourning; loud weeping and wailing. He challenges their view of reality: “The child is not dead but asleep.” The mourners laugh Him to scorn. Jesus then clears the room, allowing only Peter, James, John, and the girl’s parents to witness what follows.

The Miracle of Resurrection

Inside, Jesus takes the girl by the hand and says in Aramaic, “Talitha cumi” (“Little girl, I say to you, arise!”). The tender, intimate words carry deep affection. Immediately she rises and walks. Those present are overcome with astonishment. Jesus strictly commands them to tell no one and instructs that she be given something to eat, confirming the full, physical reality of her restoration.

How do you react when Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid; just believe”?