Jairus' Daughter

Thousands of years ago, a girl in Israel was twelve years old when she got sick and died. She was a real girl. We don’t know much about her, so I will make up her story. We will call her Sarah and this is what I think may have happened.

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Sarah an only child, lived in a village where her papa was a well-known ruler or teacher at the town’s synagogue. A synagogue is a place of worship for the Jewish people. Her mama’s name was Naomi and Jairus was her papa.

They were a busy family, with many responsibilities in the town and synagogue as well as caring for others. Naomi made food for anyone who was sick or in need. Sarah helped prepare the meals and accompanied her when she delivered them.

On one such visit, the family was very sick and Naomi told her, “Sarah. I want you to stay out here while I carry the vessels in.”

Sarah stood by the donkey who had a small cart attached. It took a few trips for Naomi to bring in the pots of food. “Let’s take the rest over to Rebekah’s. Then we can see her new baby. I believe they named him Steven.”

“I like the name Steven. Do you think they will let me hold him?”

“We shall see.”

On the way, they were stopped by others and they chatted. This was the best way for Sarah’s family to find out the news and see who needed help. Everyone loved them and liked to visit.

The baby, Steven, was robust and handsome. Sarah was able to hold him and sang him a song that made him fall sound asleep. His mama smiled and took him from her to put him in his bed. “Thank you Sarah. I may ask you to watch him sometime when I have too many chores and the other children are underfoot.”

A few days later, Sarah started coughing and she had a fever. Naomi left her in bed with a servant in charge when she took some meals over to friends. When she arrived back home she immediately checked on Sarah. “My dear, you are quite warm. Let me get you some water.” Naomi gave Sarah sips of water and put a cool cloth on her forehead.

That evening, Jairus came home from teaching at the synagogue. “Where is my Sarah? She normally greets me, eager to tell news of her day.”

“I’m afraid she is sick in bed.”

“I’ll go see her and bring a smile to her face.”

“Sarah, how are you feeling?”

Sarah could only croak out a small hushed, “Papa.”

Papa took her into his strong arms. He wasn’t able to get her to smile, nor could he take her fever away.

After Naomi and Jairus had finished the evening meal, he said, “I’m worried about Sarah. She looks pale and weak. Did she eat anything?”

“I can barely get water down her sore throat.”

“That’s not good. I hear the Teacher is traveling through. Tomorrow, I’m going to ask Him to come and touch her and make her well.”

“He has healed many people. Will he come to our home? She is too weak to bring her to him.”

“I will try. We must say prayers for her.”

“I’m going to sit up with her tonight.”

Jairus took her in a hug. “That a fine idea.”

The next morning, Jairus found Naomi trying to cool Sarah down with wet cloths. “She’s much worse. Do you think you can find the Teacher? Please bring him here. Our girl is so sick. I’m afraid!”

Jairus wasted no time to go find the teacher.

Jesus, the Teacher, was down by the sea surrounded by a mob of people. Most of the people came from other villages. Many people asked Him questions. Some were waiting to see a miracle. Others were his followers and tried to be near Him as often as possible. A few of His close disciples were also with Him.

Jairus had a difficult time breaking through the crowd. Out of breath and with reverence, he fell on his face before Jesus and said, “My daughter is near death. Please come and put your hands on her that she may be healed, and she will live.” (Mark 5: 23)

Jesus said He would go with him. The crowd followed. Before they could get to Jairus’ house, Jesus stopped because a woman touched his garment. At the time she touched Him, He healed her because of her faith.

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Back at home, Naomi was being comforted by her neighbors and friends. Sarah’s little lifeless body lie on the bed. Tears were shed and wailing could be heard down the street. “Where is Jairus?”

“He went to find the Teacher to heal our baby.”

“My brother and I will go tell him not to bother the Teacher.”

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Jesus was speaking to the woman He healed when two men from Jairus house came. “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” (Mark 5: 35)

Jesus told Jairus, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

Jesus turned to the crowd and told them they could not follow. He only let Peter, James, and John, three of His disciples, to come with them to Jairus’ house. When they arrived, Jesus said, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”

The people ridiculed Jesus because they knew she was dead. Jesus made them all leave. He took the tree disciples, Naomi, and Jairus to where Sarah was lying. He took her hand into his strong one and said, “Little girl, I say to you arise.” (Mark 5: 41)

Immediately, Sarah jumped up and walked around the bed to her parents. They embraced. They were almost overcome with joy! The Lord Jesus had made her alive again! He told them to give her some food.

Sarah never thought her mama’s cooking had ever tasted so good. The people who mourned returned and there was a celebration.

Jesus told Jairus to believe. His faith brought Jesus to heal his daughter. He trusted and believed Jesus could do anything even bring his daughter back to life.  Only Jesus, who is God, can bring people back to life again. He made her and gave her life again. Jesus healed many people while He walked on the earth. You can read this true account in Matthew 9:18-26 and Mark 5:21-43. Remember, part of what I wrote is my imagination—the center part about Jesus healing her is fact.

Memorize this short part of the verse: Mark 5: 36c “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

Verses in NKJV unless otherwise stated