Returning to the west shore of the lake, Jesus and His disciples went to Levi Matthew’s house to meet his publican friends. Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue found Jesus there. Kneeling at His feet, he begged Jesus to come heal his dying daughter.
Jesus and His disciples set out at once to the ruler’s home. The crowd pressed around them making progress slow. In pity, Jesus stopped now and then to heal a sufferer or speak comfort to another.
Then a messenger pressed through the crowd and told the anxious father not to trouble the Master further, that his child was dead.
Overhearing the message, Jesus encouraged the father saying, “Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole.”
Jairus pressed close to Jesus as they hurried on to his home. Already the hired mourners and flute players were filling the air with their noise, which jarred Jesus’ spirit. Trying to silence them, He asked, “Why all this clamor and noise? The child isn’t dead, but sleeping.”
This Stranger upset them, for they had seen the child die, and they scornfully laughed at His words. Jesus ordered all the mourners to leave, and taking the father, mother and three disciples, He entered the room of death.
Jesus stood by the child’s bed, took her hand in His and softly said, “Little girl, I say unto you, arise.” At once a tremor passed through her body. Pulses came to life. Her lips widened in a smile; her eyes opened wide in wonder as she saw the little group around her bed. As she arose, her parents joyfully hugged her, crying with joy and thanksgiving to Jesus for His wonderful goodness to them.
Let’s keep God’s wonderful gifts to us fresh in mind, and joyfully give Him thanks.
If you have a question for Bible Mentor Marie Odell you can contact her by emailing: marieodell04@gmail.com
Marie Odell is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.