49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more."
50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
Jesus has just healed the woman with the issue of blood and was proceeding on to the house of Jairus to heal his daughter when our verse for today takes place. The news delivered to Jairus was blunt and to the point appearing very cold and heartless. Don’t bother the Teacher, your daughter is dead. There is no one that can help you now, it’s hopeless, don’t waste His time, just give up. Ever felt that way in your circumstances or am I the only one? It’s useless, give up! Upon hearing this “uplifting” news Jesus speaks directly to Jairus stating: “Don’t be afraid, believe!” After just witnessing the healing that has happened, Jairus chooses to trust in the God of all hope. Can you only imagine how fast his heart was beating as he picked up his pace to get to his daughter’s side? What thoughts could have been racing through his head? Perhaps he just kept telling himself, “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid!” The word rendered “afraid” is the Greek word “Phobeomai” meaning to be terrified; to cause to run away. I can certainly relate here too! Sometimes running away seems very appealing – the only problem is that it does not normally make things better. Jesus is telling Jairus to be persuaded in the truthfulness of what He is stating – “she will be healed” – commanding him to give assent to and have confidence in His Word. He stresses this to us too - give assent to and confidence in His Word:We proclaim: “It’s hopeless!”God responds: 37 For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 (NIV) 27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27 (NIV) We proclaim: “I’m afraid!”God responds:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV) 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 (NIV) We proclaim: “The burden is too heavy!” God responds: 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30 (NIV) 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) We proclaim: “I’m weary from this battle!” God responds: 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lam 3:21-24 (NIV) We proclaim: “I’ve lost my way!” God responds: 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NIV) 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:2-3 (NIV) We proclaim: “God has forgotten me!”God responds:15 "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! 16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. 17 Your sons hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you. Isaiah 49:15-17 (NIV)