Jesus said…”Do not fear, only believe.” – Mark 5:36
She was twelve years old and she was dying. Her father, a religious leader desperate to save her, came to Jesus to plead for her healing. While he was still at Jesus’ feet, he learned that his daughter was dead already, so why should he continue to bother the teacher. Jesus told him not to be afraid, but only to believe. When he came back to his house, there was a commotion outside with people weeping and wailing. He struggled to believe when Jesus said his daughter was not dead but merely asleep. The people mocked Jesus, but Jesus took her parents, but he went into where his daughter was, instructed her to get up, and she began walking.
What was it about the belief of Jairus that was so effective that his daughter lived? What would a belief like his do for you in your everyday life?
A Louisiana pastor, John Dobbs, suggests the first thing is acknowledging your own helplessness because helplessness, weaknesses and feeling like giving up all make way for an expanded faith, for believing. Then you must turn to Jesus because His wisdom, strength and power are the totality of what you need. Then you also believe because Jesus is your last, your only Hope. Giving up is not an option for the believer. Whether it is healing, strength, freedom, finances, relationships, hope—whatever it is, you must turn to God. Only believe. Pray for the nation’s leaders to find faith in Jesus Christ, their only hope.
Today’s Verse: Mark 5:36
But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Mark 5:21-24, 35-43
21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 And he went with him.
And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.
35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
