Don’t Be Afraid, Just Have Faith…

One of the most powerful and difficult (to do) statements in all of scripture are here in Mark chapter 5 verse 36. Jairus has just been informed that his daughter has died. Jesus overheard the conversation, and tells Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith”. Only the One Who gives life can make a statement like that. Mere mortal men cannot say this. Doctors may help prolong a life, and first responders may help extend your life, but only God can give life back to us. Jesus tells the man to not be afraid. Jairus is probably thinking, “my daughter is dead, what does He mean don’t be afraid?” Then his desire to see his daughter again overrides his disbelief in grief, and hopes that Jesus can bring her back to life. Just think, Jesus tells him (and us) to not be afraid. Why? Because He is bigger than our fears. He has the power to overcome any difficulty we may face. Faith overcomes fear only when it’s placed in Jesus. For He is the only One Who holds the power to overcome the grave. Just one more reason why we can trust Him.

35 While He was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”36 But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”37 Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn’t let anyone go with Him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. 39 He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”40 The crowd laughed at Him. But He made them all leave, and He took the girl’s father and mother and His three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. 41 Holding her hand, He said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” 42 And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. 43 Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had happened, and then He told them to give her something to eat. Mark 5:35-43