Touched by Grace - the Healing Miracles of JesusSýnishorn

The Restorative Touch

In Mark 5:21-43, again today, we are back in Capernaum, walking with Jesus through the same crowd. Jarius, a local synagogue leader, fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with Him to come to his house. Jarius’ 12-year-old daughter was dying. This desperate act would have been very unusual for a respected official. He pleaded with Jesus to lay hands on his daughter and heal her so she would live. Jesus went with him (but was interrupted by the bleeding woman in yesterday's devotional). Jarius patiently stands by and watches Jesus miraculously heal the woman.

Then Jairus received the worst news. While Jesus was still speaking to the woman, messengers arrived from Jairus’ home. They told Jairus that his daughter was dead and not to trouble Jesus to come. No doubt his heart sank. Jairus experienced a crisis of faith, leaving him feeling confused, afraid, and without hope. However, Jesus overheard them and told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”

Jesus arrives at the official’s house only to be greeted by professional mourners. It was customary to present this upon a person’s death. The lack of them was disgraceful and disrespectful. They laughed at Jesus when He said, “The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” Jesus responded by sending them all out of the house. Only the parents, along with Peter, James, and John, remained.

What happens next is truly astounding! Jesus takes the little girl by the hand and boldly speaks in Aramaic, “Talitha koum,” meaning “Little girl, get up!” This miraculous act not only restores the girl to life but also brings hope to her family and the community, showing that hope can be renewed even in despair.

Jairus's faith was evident as he pleaded with Jesus. He exhibited obvious patience and remained steadfast in his trust and faith in Jesus. Like yesterday’s healing, this touch of Jesus’ restorative power was activated by their faith. The act of reaching out to touch Jesus or to stop Him along the way illustrates how faith often requires an active response.

Jarius' belief that even a touch could heal his only daughter says a lot about the faith that fuels encounters with Jesus. Jesus’ words amid crisis speak volumes to generations later: “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” In Jesus, there is both hope and promise.