Jairus is a significant figure in the New Testament, specifically mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He is known for his encounter with Jesus Christ, which highlights themes of faith, desperation, and divine power.

Biblical Account

Jairus is introduced as a synagogue leader, a position of considerable respect and authority within the Jewish community. His account is recounted in Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, and Luke 8:40-56. Despite his status, Jairus approaches Jesus with humility and desperation, seeking healing for his dying daughter. This act of faith is significant, as it demonstrates his belief in Jesus' power to heal, despite potential risks to his reputation among the Jewish leaders who were often skeptical of Jesus.

In Mark 5:22-23 , it is written: "A synagogue leader named Jairus came, and seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet and pleaded with Him urgently, 'My little daughter is near death. Please come and place Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live.'"

Interruption and Faith

As Jesus agrees to go with Jairus, they are interrupted by a woman suffering from a bleeding condition, who touches Jesus' cloak and is healed. This delay must have been agonizing for Jairus, yet it serves to further illustrate the power and compassion of Jesus. During this interruption, messengers arrive with the news that Jairus' daughter has died, suggesting that there is no longer any need to trouble Jesus.

However, Jesus responds with reassurance and a call to faith. In Mark 5:36 , Jesus tells Jairus, "Do not be afraid; just believe." This statement underscores the importance of faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

Miraculous Healing

Upon arriving at Jairus' house, Jesus encounters mourners lamenting the girl's death. He dismisses them, asserting that the child is not dead but asleep, a statement met with ridicule. Jesus then takes the girl's parents and His disciples into the room where the child lay. In a profound display of His divine authority, Jesus takes the girl by the hand and says, "Talitha koum!" which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" (Mark 5:41). Immediately, the girl rises and begins to walk around, to the amazement of all present.

Theological Significance

Jairus' account is a powerful testament to the necessity of faith and the authority of Jesus over life and death. It illustrates that Jesus' power is not limited by human constraints or circumstances. Jairus' faith, though tested, is ultimately rewarded with the miraculous restoration of his daughter. This narrative also serves to highlight Jesus' compassion and willingness to respond to those who earnestly seek Him, regardless of their social standing.

Cultural and Historical Context

As a synagogue leader, Jairus would have been responsible for the administration of synagogue services and the maintenance of order within the community. His decision to seek out Jesus indicates a recognition of Jesus' authority and power, which transcends traditional religious boundaries. This act of faith is particularly noteworthy given the tension between Jesus and many Jewish religious leaders of the time.

Jairus' account is a profound example of the transformative power of faith and the boundless compassion of Jesus Christ, offering hope and encouragement to believers throughout the ages.Ja'irus (2 Occurrences)

Mark 5:22
Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet,
(See RSV)

Luke 8:41
Behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus' feet, and begged him to come into his house,
(See RSV)

Ja'irus (2 Occurrences)
Ja'irus. Jairus, Ja'irus. Jakan . Multi-Version Concordance Ja'irus
(2 Occurrences). Mark 5:22 Behold, one of the rulers of the ...
/j/ja'irus.htm - 6k

Jairus (6 Occurrences)

/j/jairus.htm - 10k

Jakan (2 Occurrences)

/j/jakan.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus