Jairus’s story is told in Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56

Jairus: A Father Who Believed in the Power of Jesus

Sometimes life brings moments of fear and heartbreak that leave us feeling helpless. That’s exactly where we find Jairus in the New Testament—a father desperate to save his daughter. His story is one of faith, hope, and a powerful encounter with Jesus.

Let’s take a closer look at Jairus and what we can learn from his experience.

Who Was Jairus?

Jairus was an important man in his community. He was a leader in the synagogue, which meant he was respected and had responsibilities in the local place of worship. But when his young daughter became seriously ill, his position and status didn’t matter—he was just a father in need.

He loved his daughter deeply and was willing to do anything to help her. So when he heard that Jesus was nearby, he made a bold move.

Jairus Comes to Jesus

Jairus didn’t send someone else to speak to Jesus—he went himself. Even though he was a religious leader, he humbly fell at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come and heal his daughter. His actions showed how much he believed Jesus could help.

Jesus didn’t hesitate. He began walking with Jairus toward his home. It must have felt like hope was on the way.

An Unexpected Delay

As they walked, a large crowd gathered. Along the way, Jesus stopped to help a woman who had been sick for many years. It was a beautiful moment of healing—but for Jairus, it may have felt like a delay he couldn’t afford.

Then the worst news came. People from Jairus’s house told him, “Your daughter is dead.” It seemed like it was too late.

But Jesus turned to Jairus and said something powerful:
“Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

A Miracle at Home

Even though the situation looked hopeless, Jesus kept going. When they arrived at Jairus’s house, people were already mourning. But Jesus said the girl was only sleeping. They didn’t believe Him.

Then Jesus went into the room with just a few people, including Jairus and his wife. He took the girl’s hand and said, “Little girl, get up.” And she did! She was alive again—healthy and well.

Imagine the joy and amazement Jairus must have felt.

What Can We Learn from Jairus?

Jairus’s story teaches us a few important things:

  • Faith matters, even when things seem impossible. Jairus believed in Jesus, even after hearing that his daughter had died.
  • Jesus cares about our pain. He went with Jairus, stopped to help others, and brought healing and hope into a grieving home.
  • Delays aren’t denials. The wait may have felt like the end, but Jesus still came through.
  • No one is beyond Jesus’ help. Whether it’s sickness, sorrow, or fear—Jesus has power over all of it.

Conclusion

Jairus came to Jesus with a broken heart, and Jesus met him with compassion and power. His story reminds us that we can come to Jesus with our worries, our fears, and our deepest needs—and trust that He cares.

Even when the situation seems hopeless, Jesus says to us what He said to Jairus:
“Don’t be afraid; just believe.”