Jairus’s story is told in Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56
- Who is Jairus?
- Role: Jairus is described as a ruler of the synagogue, an influential and probably well-respected position in Jewish society.
- Father: One of the most poignant aspects of Jairus’ story is his role as a desperate father. He had a 12-year-old daughter who was dying.
- Interaction with Jesus: He approached Jesus to heal his daughter, demonstrating faith and humility despite his social standing.
Strengths and Accomplishments
- Faith in Jesus: Despite being a leader in the Jewish religious community, he sought out Jesus, showing openness to Jesus’ radical form of teaching and healing.
- Humility: He falls at Jesus’ feet begging for his daughter’s life. A clear abandonment of pride or social decorum in the name of love and desperation.
- Urgency but Patience: He was desperate, but he had to wait as Jesus healed another woman along the way (the woman with the issue of blood). He doesn’t complain; he waits.
Weaknesses and Mistakes
- Limited Appearance: The Bible doesn’t elaborate much on Jairus’ weaknesses or mistakes, but we can infer a few things:
- Initial Desperation: It’s not clear whether Jairus followed or believed in Jesus prior to his personal crisis. Did it take a personal tragedy to push him toward faith?
Lessons from His Life
- Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures: Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to realize the power of faith.
- Hierarchy of Needs: When life and death are on the line, social status means nothing. Love and desperation make equals of us all.
- The Test of Waiting: Even in desperate times, sometimes we are forced to wait. How we handle that waiting is a test of our character and faith.
Key Verses (NIV)
- Mark 5:22-23
“Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, ‘My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.'”
- Mark 5:36
“Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.'”
- Mark 5:41-42
“He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum!’ (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was 12 years old).”