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What Does Mark 5:35 Mean?
Mark 5:22-43
In Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:22-43; and Luke 8:41-56 appears the account of the resurrection of Jairus' twelve-year-old daughter. Having recently performed the astonishing exorcism of the legion of demons, Jesus' renown was quickly spreading. As He is thronged by a multitude of curious and desperate people, a distraught father bows to Him, desperately asking Him to heal his dying daughter.
Jesus responds by going immediately to the home of the father, Jairus (Mark 5:22), a ruler of the same synagogue that the centurion had built for the Jews and whose servant Christ had healed (Matthew 8:5-13). On the way, He heals a woman with a serious issue of blood.
It is obvious that Jairus knew all about Jesus' enlightening teachings, and because of His miraculous ministry, he was convinced of His power. Although he expresses unhesitating faith in Christ's ability to heal, his faith is not equal to the centurion's, who believed that distance was no hindrance to limitless power. Jairus believes Christ's presence in his home is necessary and so beseeches Him to come and touch his daughter.
Notice the details that Mark and Luke add about this girl: Mark records that her father calls her "my little daughter," while Luke relates that she was an only child, highlighting how precious she was to her father.
Martin G. Collins
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Resurrecting Jairus' Daughter
Mark 5:35-37
As Jesus walks to Jairus' home, a friend informs Jairus of the sad news, "Your daughter is dead." In the Greek, "dead" is placed first for emphasis; it literally reads, "Dead is your daughter." Such a statement would have been devastating, but being in Christ's presence gave the grief-stricken father hope. Jesus is seen as the Encourager. He is willing, even eager, to help the sick and dying. Though He refuses to flaunt His power, He is quick to glorify the God of powerful healing.
As soon as Jesus overhears the news, He intervenes to curb the fear welling up in the brokenhearted father, countering with encouragement: "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." With a word of hope, He changes the father's focus, and with gentleness and compassion, comforts him. In II Corinthians 5:5-7, the apostle Paul assures us that our consolation abounds through Christ.
Martin G. Collins
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Resurrecting Jairus' Daughter
Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Mark 5:35:
Matthew 9:18-26
Matthew 13:44
Mark 5:22-43
Luke 8:41-56
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