In desperation, people will do things never before considered. Jairus fell on the ground before Jesus in desperation—his little girl lay dying. Jairus pleaded, begged, abandoned all dignity in his effort to sway Jesus.

I wonder what Jairus believed about Jesus that day as he left his house? He’d heard stories of the healer. He worked in the synagogue, so he listened to thoughts from priests and religious teachers. But what did he believe personally?

As Jairus shot out the door he sought the only person who might possibly rescue his family. Whether he believed a little or a lot, he believed in the right man.

I also wonder what Jairus believed when he walked Jesus into a house full of mourners where his obviously dead daughter lay stretched out on the bed? What did Jairus believe when Jesus spoke, Little girl, I say to you, get up!?

When the little girl hopped out of bed and walked around the room (whenever Jesus healed a person, they enjoyed energy and health) I can guess what Jairus believed. A vibrant, can’t-shut-his-mouth Jesus fanatic blew out of that room. Jesus changed everything for Jairus, his daughter, and his household.

Which is a vital lesson about faith. Faith in the right person makes for life abundant, while faith placed elsewhere will eventually fall short. If I only muster a tiny bit of faith, it’s best placed in the hands of the Lord.

Then anything might happen.

Mark 5 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Annie Spratt