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Faith

One day Jesus took a boat ride. A large crowd met him at the seaside when He arrived. One of the religious leaders named Jairus came to where He was because his daughter was sick. When he saw Jesus, he fell to his knees, beside himself as he begged, “My dear daughter is at death’s door. Come and lay hands on her so she will get well and live.”

Jesus could have done lots of things. He decided to go with him, the whole crowd tagging along, pushing, and jostling him. While he was still talking, some people came from the leader’s house and told him, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher anymore?” Imagine how devastated he is now. Jesus could have just said the word earlier and this wouldn’t have happened.

  • Jesus overheard what they were talking about.
  • Jesus knows what to say to get us focused.
  • His message of good news is clear.

It is a question of who I will listen to. It is a question of who I will trust.

But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.[1]

~Jesus (Mark 5:36)

This verse comes from a story where Jesus is on his way to heal the daughter of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, who was dying. On the way, a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years touched his garment and was healed. Jesus stopped to find out who touched him, and the woman confessed what she had done. Jesus commended her faith and told her to go in peace.

Meanwhile, some people came from Jairus’ house and told him that his daughter was dead and there was no use in bothering Jesus anymore. But Jesus overheard what they said and said to Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe.”

Jesus then went to Jairus’ house and saw a crowd of mourners wailing and weeping. He told them to stop crying, because the girl was not dead but asleep. They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But Jesus took her by the hand and said, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and walked around. Everyone was amazed and astonished.

This story shows us how Jesus has power over sickness and death, and how he can do miracles for those who trust in him. It also shows us how he wants us to overcome fear and doubt with faith and belief. Fear and doubt are natural human emotions, but they can paralyze us and prevent us from experiencing God’s blessings. Faith and belief are supernatural gifts from God that enable us to see beyond our circumstances and trust in his promises.

Jesus said to Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe.” He says the same thing to us today. Whatever situation you are facing, whatever challenge you are going through, whatever problem you are dealing with, do not fear, only believe. Believe that Jesus loves you, that he cares for you, that he is with you, that he is able to help you, that he has a plan for you, that he will work all things together for your good.

Do not fear, only believe. This is the key to living a victorious life in Christ. This is the message I want to share with you today. I hope it encourages you and inspires you to trust in Jesus more and more.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 5:36.