Jairus is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his role as a ruler of the synagogue in Capernaum. His account is recounted in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jairus is remembered for his faith and desperation in seeking Jesus' help for his dying daughter.

Biblical Account

The account of Jairus is primarily found in Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, and Luke 8:40-56. Jairus approaches Jesus with a profound sense of urgency and humility. As a synagogue ruler, Jairus held a position of considerable influence and respect within the Jewish community. Despite his status, he falls at Jesus' feet, pleading earnestly for the healing of his twelve-year-old daughter, who is at the point of death.

In Mark 5:22-23 , it is written: "A synagogue leader named Jairus arrived, 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.'"

Faith and Healing

Jairus' faith is evident in his belief that Jesus could heal his daughter simply by laying hands on her. This act of faith is significant, as it demonstrates Jairus' recognition of Jesus' divine authority and power, despite the potential risk to his reputation among the Jewish leaders who were often skeptical of Jesus.

As Jesus makes His way to Jairus' house, the journey is interrupted by the healing of a woman suffering from a bleeding condition. This delay must have been agonizing for Jairus, yet he remains steadfast. During this time, messengers arrive with the devastating news that his daughter has died, advising him not to trouble Jesus any further. However, Jesus responds with reassurance and encouragement, as recorded in Mark 5:36 : "But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to Jairus, 'Do not be afraid; just believe.'"

Miraculous Resurrection

Upon arriving at Jairus' home, Jesus encounters a scene of mourning and lamentation. He dismisses the mourners, declaring that the child is not dead but asleep, a statement met with disbelief and ridicule. Undeterred, Jesus enters the room with Jairus, the child's mother, and three of His disciples—Peter, James, and John.

In a profound display of His divine power, Jesus takes the girl by the hand and commands, "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 astonishment of all present. Jesus instructs them to give her something to eat and orders them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Theological Significance

Jairus' account is a powerful testament to the importance of faith and the authority of Jesus over life and death. It highlights the compassion of Christ, who responds to the pleas of those in need, regardless of their social standing. Jairus' encounter with Jesus serves as a reminder of the hope and restoration found in Christ, who has the power to bring life from death.

Jairus' faith journey, from desperation to witnessing a miraculous resurrection, underscores the transformative impact of encountering Jesus. His account continues to inspire believers to trust in the Lord's timing and sovereignty, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.Matthew 9:18
While he spoke these things to them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay your hand on her, and she shall live.
Nave's Topical Index

Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman.
... b Jairus by name;} ^c and he was a ruler { ^b one of the rulers} of the synagogue
[He was one of the board of elders which governed the synagogue at Capernaum. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lviii jairus daughter and the.htm

Talitha Cumi
... And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and
when ... And He cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/talitha cumi.htm

The Great Crisis in Popular Feeling - the Last Discourses in the ...
... built by the good Centurion, and of which Jairus was the chief ruler. ... It is a remarkable
circumstance, that among the ruins of the Synagogue of Capernaum ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxii the great crisis.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... Presently we find Him far from Capernaum. ... He had left it immediately on quitting
the house of Jairus. ... them, that the daughter of the Synagogue-Ruler was not ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

The General Observations are These.
... synagogue, Jairus by name. Luke: Behold, there came a man named Jairus,
and he was the ruler of the synagogue. And by Mark, she ...
/.../section i the general observations.htm

Particulars
... to suppose, that a ruler of a synagogue would come ... had been most unreasonable to
disswade Jairus from troubling ... on: When Jesus came into the ruler's house, he ...
/.../section ii particulars.htm

The Raising of the Dead.
... The story of the daughter of Jairus is recorded briefly by ... One of the rulers of the
synagogue at Capernaum falls ... he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/viii the raising of the.htm

Called Back.
... for he had a little daughter at home very ill indeed, so ill that she was "at the
last breath." His name was Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxii called back.htm

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
... Israel's King, and built with no miser hand that Synagogue, most splendid ... and by
prayers, of which the conversion of Jairus, its chief ruler, seems the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the return to.htm

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
... and entablatures, of columns and capitals, and niches, still attest." As for the
ruler of that same synagogue, we know that it was Jairus, whose cry ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 16 synagogues their origin.htm

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