Mark 5:35–43 (ESV) — 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.

Jairus had gone to Jesus to seek help for his daughter. However, word was sent to Jairus that it was too late. Jesus would not be able to help because the young girl had already died. “Why trouble the Teacher any further?”, was the sentiment.

When Jesus heard what had happened, he told Jairus to continue to believe. And when Jesus arrived at the girl’s side he said, “The child is not dead but sleeping.” This caused others nearby to laugh at Jesus. They must have thought Jesus was out of his mind. They knew the girl was dead. How could Jesus not know this? But Jesus took the little girl’s hand and told her to arise. Immediately, she got up and began walking! Jesus woke her from the dead.

Belief in Jesus brings eternal life. We may see death around us every day and we may even be tempted to laugh at the thought of an eternal existence where death is no more, but Jesus, the one who raised others and himself from the dead, tells us to “only believe.” He has power over life and death and promises his followers life in a new world. Praise the Lord!

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