Originally posted on 8/12/25
Have you ever wondered why Jesus did things the way he did? Why did he heal some and not others? Let’s focus on Jairus’ daughter, Talitha. Her father was a leader in the synagogue and he would have been well known by those around him. He was responsible for the daily running of the synagogue, however, he was not a rabbi. Their story begins in Mark chapter 5. Jesus had just healed the man of demons and sent them into the pigs. Jairus comes to Jesus and asks him to come and heal his daughter because he believed she was near death. As a parent, you can imagine the heartache Jarius was experiencing. The crowds were pressing in and he must have been so distraught. He knew Jesus needed to hurry, but the process was slow.
Mark 5:21-24 “And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.”
There is an interruption of Jairus’s struggle to find help for his daughter. While they are walking, Jesus is touched by someone. You can read that story here. I have always wondered why Jairus and his daughter’s story was interrupted by another story? As Jesus is talking to the woman, Jairus receives word that his daughter has already passed. He must have been devastated. Jesus tells him to believe. As a parent, would that have been enough?
Mark 5:35-40, “While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.”
Jesus arrives on the scene to see all the mourners. He knows that the daughter is only sleeping. Jesus allows Peter, James and John to go in with him. He makes everyone else leave. This seems rather strange at first. Jesus did not want to reveal himself to the masses yet. He only wanted a few of his disciples to see the miracle.
Mark 5:41-42, “Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.”
Jesus seemed so calm by telling the Talitha to get up. No big fanfare–just get up. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know about this. I don’t know about you, but it would have certainly been difficult not to run and tell all your friends about this major family event.
What can we learn from this story? The Lord doesn’t always do things the way we envision. Those who know me will say that I like to be in control and I certainly do. OUr tendency is to put God in a box. We have it in our minds (or at least I do) about how God could take care of my problems. However, the Lord’s plans are always better than mine. He obviously has knowledge that I do not possess.
God’s timing is not our timing. The Lord never shows up late. He will always show up at the right time. God may be working on things in the background that we cannot see. He may need to teach us a few things before. The most difficult place to be is in God’s waiting room. We have to trust God and His plan.
Nothing is impossible with God. We serve a great and mighty God. He is sovereign over all. Nothing happens that does not first flow through His hands. Our job is to be faithful and give God the glory, even when we do not get what we want. God spoke the world into existence. He can take care of His people.
Image from Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org.