DON'T BE AFRAID; JUST BELIEVE

Mark 5:35-43 / Keywords 5:36

Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."

5:35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”

36 Overhearing[c] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.

After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Footnotes

c. Mark 5:36 Or Ignoring

1. Don't bother the teacher any more (35-36)

While Jesus talked with the nameless woman, precious moments slipped by. Bad news came to Jairus--and with it, bad advice. Jesus ignored the messenger's good intentions and bad advice, and planted faith in Jairus. He encouraged Jairus: 'Don't be afraid; just believe.' Fear is the opposite of faith. Jairus took Jesus' words into his heart and ignored the advice of the men who came from his home. This is Jesus' word to us today: 'Don't be afraid; just believe.'

 

2. She is not dead but asleep (37-43)

Jesus put out those who laughed in unbelief. He took three disciples and the child's parents, and went in to where the child was. She stood up at his command. She was well. His word is almighty. He is the Creator God and the Giver of life. He understands and loves. And he knows teenagers' hearts. He told them to give her something to eat.

 

Prayer Lord, forgive my fear and doubt, and help me to walk with 'just believing' faith today.

One Word Don't be afraid; just believe