When the news seems to end hope, Jesus still has a word to speak.
“Do not be afraid, only believe.”
Mark 5:36 • Read Mark 5:21–43
The father who needs Jesus
Jairus falls at Jesus’ feet. His little daughter is dying. His position as a synagogue official cannot save her. He pleads for Jesus to come, lay His hands on her, and restore her to health and life.
Luke adds that she is his only daughter. Jesus goes with him. A large crowd follows, pressing close as they make their way towards the house.
Then another sufferer approaches. A woman has endured bleeding for twelve years, as long as the girl has lived.
Treatment has exhausted her resources and left her worse. She has heard about Jesus. She believes that even touching His clothing will be enough.
The daughter who receives peace
Her body is healed, but Jesus has more to say to her.
She touches His garment, and immediately the bleeding stops. Jesus turns to find the person who touched Him. She comes fearing and trembling and tells Him the whole truth.
He calls her Daughter, affirms her faith, and sends her in peace. She receives personal assurance from the One whose power has restored her.
While Jesus is going to one man’s daughter, He gives this suffering woman His full attention. His authority carries tender care.
The news that seems to end hope
While Jesus is still speaking, messengers arrive. Jairus’ daughter has died. Why trouble the Teacher any further?
Their words assume that death has placed her beyond His help. Jesus immediately tells Jairus not to fear, but to believe.
Jairus now faces two voices: the report that closes hope and the Lord who calls him to trust. Jesus’ word comes before the outcome.
The Lord who speaks life
At the house, Jesus takes the girl’s hand and commands her to rise. Immediately she gets up and walks. He then asks that she be given food.
The One who commands the storm and delivers the oppressed also rules over sickness and death. His care reaches even the small and ordinary.
Romans 4:18–21 illuminates this trust. Abraham believed in hope against hope, convinced that God could fulfil His promise despite circumstances that seemed to rule it out.
Hope rests in the One who speaks and can fulfil His word.
These miracles reveal Jesus’ authority. They do not promise immediate healing in every illness.
Look again at Jesus.
His life-giving authority extends over sickness and death.
Our risen Lord promises to raise His people to life (John 6:40). Our final hope rests securely in Him.
What fear are you carrying before Him today?
Trust Jesus, even when circumstances appear to extinguish hope.
Bring Him your helplessness. Hear His word in Scripture. Let His revealed character shape your prayer when you cannot see what comes next.
Then share what this passage reveals, so another person may find encouragement in Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me trust You.
You are the Lord of life, and Your care is tender.
By Your Spirit, steady my heart when the news is frightening. Help me hear Your word and rest my hope in You. Give me courage to make Your goodness known. Amen.