The account of Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter from the dead is found in Matthew 9:18–26, Mark 5:21–43, and Luke 8:40–56. It is a powerful testimony of Jesus’ authority over death and His compassion toward those who believe.
Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue who came to Jesus, fell at His feet, and earnestly begged Him to come and heal his daughter, who was at the point of death. Jesus went with him, and a great crowd followed. On the way, Jesus healed a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years. While He was still speaking, messengers came from Jairus’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” (Mark 5:35).
Jesus, hearing this, said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; only believe” (Mark 5:36). When they arrived at the house, the people were mourning and wailing. Jesus told them, “The child is not dead, but sleeping” (Mark 5:39). They ridiculed Him, but He put them all outside except for Peter, James, John, and the girl’s parents.
Jesus took the child by the hand and said, “Talitha, cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked. She was twelve years old, and her parents were amazed (Mark 5:41–42). Jesus commanded them strictly that no one should know about it and told them to give her something to eat.
This miracle reveals Jesus as the Lord over life and death. His words, presence, and power are sufficient to reverse the most hopeless situations. It also highlights the necessity of persistent faith, even when circumstances appear final.
The raising of Jairus’s daughter teaches that nothing is impossible for the Lord and that faith in Him brings hope even in the face of death.
