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Jairus’s daughter was a twelve-year-old girl mentioned in the Bible. The Bible does not tell us her name. It does tell us that she was very sick and died, but Jesus went to her house, took her by the hand, and said, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, arise,” and she came back to life, astonishing everyone.
Jairus, her father, was a respected synagogue leader. Although he was well-off financially, nothing could prevent his daughter’s health from suddenly deteriorating. Her fever rose, her eyes lost their brightness, and hope faded from the faces of those who loved her. The girl who had once run and played lay motionless, surrounded by anxious gazes.
While she silently battled death, Jairus ran to Jesus, believing that He could heal her. Her father raced against time, but before Jesus reached the house, he received the cruel news: the girl had died.
Tears filled the house. People said there was nothing more to be done. But Jesus thought differently. He entered the room where the girl’s body lay. The crowd laughed at Him when He said she was only sleeping. But Jesus knew exactly what He was doing.
Taking the girl by the hand, Jesus tenderly said, “Talitha cumi!” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise” (Mark 5:41). At that very moment, the girl opened her eyes, got up, and began to walk.
The room, which had been heavy with sadness, was now filled with awe and joy. Jesus, attentive even to the smallest details, asked that she be given something to eat.
The girl came back to life because she was touched by Jesus’s love and power. She had no voice in the story, yet her life was marked by a great miracle. Even without speaking a word, her story still speaks today: with Jesus, even death loses its power
Jairus’s daughter was more than just a healed child; she was a living sign that with Jesus, life can always begin anew.
Bible Study on Jairus’s Daughter
What was the illness of Jairus’s daughter?
The Bible does not specify the exact illness of Jairus’s daughter. In Mark 5:23, Jairus simply says to Jesus: “My daughter is at the point of death; come and lay your hands on her so that she may be healed and live.” This indicates that the illness was serious and sudden, but the text gives no medical details.
The situation was critical, as messengers arrived even before Jesus entered the house, saying that the girl had died (Mark 5:35). The biblical focus is not on the disease itself but on Jairus’s desperation, Jesus’s compassion, and the miracle He performed in raising her from the dead.
Although the illness is unidentified, the narrative emphasizes Jairus’s faith and Jesus’s power over death, reinforcing the message that belief in Jesus can transform even impossible situations.
Who was Jairus?
Jairus was a synagogue leader, mentioned in Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, and Luke 8:40-56. He was responsible for organizing synagogue activities, reading the Scriptures, and maintaining order during worship. This shows that he was a respected man with authority among the Jews.
While many religious leaders of the time, such as the Pharisees, rejected Jesus, Jairus stood out as someone who believed in Christ’s power.
When his only daughter, twelve years old, became seriously ill, Jairus did not hesitate to seek Jesus, falling at His feet in a posture of humility and faith (Mark 5:22-23).
Even after hearing that his daughter had died, Jairus stayed close to Jesus, trusting His words: “Do not fear; only believe” (Mark 5:36). His example demonstrates courageous and persevering faith, recognizing that only Jesus has power over life and death.
What is “Talitha cumi” and what does it mean?
“Talitha cumi” (or Talitha kume) is an Aramaic expression found in Mark 5:41. Jesus said it when He raised Jairus’s twelve-year-old daughter from the dead. The phrase means: “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”
Jesus took the girl’s hand and spoke these words with authority and power. Immediately, she got up and began to walk, astonishing everyone present. This miracle demonstrated Jesus’s power over death as well as His personal, compassionate care.
The expression “Talitha cumi” has become a symbol of renewal and hope, a testament to Christ’s life-giving power to restore what seemed lost.
Lessons from the Story of Jairus’s Daughter
The story of Jairus’s daughter, as told in the Gospels, teaches us important lessons about faith, hope, and the power of Jesus. Her life was transformed through her encounter with Christ, becoming a powerful testimony.
Key Lessons:
- Jesus cares for everyone, even children. Though the girl is silent in the narrative, Jesus saw her, loved her, and restored her life. No one is too small for His love to reach.
- The faith of others can impact our lives. It was Jairus’s faith that moved Jesus to go to his home. This highlights the value of intercession and persistently seeking Jesus on behalf of those we love.
- Nothing is impossible for God. Even in the face of death, Jesus demonstrated His absolute power, showing that what seems like an ending can be a new beginning with Him.
- Jesus transforms death into life. The resurrection of the girl reminds us of Christ’s authority over life and death.
- God cares about the details of our daily lives. Jesus’s instruction to give the girl something to eat shows His concern for practical, everyday needs, not only miracles.
This story teaches that faith, persistence, and trust in Jesus can bring hope, restoration, and life even in the most desperate circumstances.
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