Jesus Heals Jairus's Daughter
A synagogue leader begs Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Though she dies before Jesus arrives, He takes her by the hand and raises her back to life.
When Jesus had crossed over in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet. He pleaded earnestly with Him, 'My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.'
Jesus went with him, and a large crowd followed and pressed around Him. While Jesus was still speaking to another who had been healed, some people came from the house of Jairus. 'Your daughter is dead,' they said. 'Why bother the teacher anymore?'
Ignoring what they said, Jesus told Jairus, 'Don't be afraid; just believe.'
He did not let anyone follow Him except Peter, James, and John. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, 'Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.'
They laughed at Him. But He put them all out, took the child's father and mother and those who were with Him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, 'Talitha koum!' (which means 'Little girl, I say to you, get up!').
Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around. She was twelve years old. At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Jairus had risked his reputation as a synagogue leader to seek help from Jesus. His faith was tested when news came that his daughter had died. But Jesus' words—'Don't be afraid; just believe'—carried him through. And in that little girl's room, death gave way to life at the touch of the Son of God.