‘Do not fear, only believe.’
Mark’s Gospel records a curious account—Jesus agrees to accompany a synagogue leader named Jairus home to tend to his sick daughter; however, along the way a woman with an affliction catches Jesus’ attention. During his interaction with the woman Jesus hears a report from the ruler’s house… While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” (Mark 5:35-36) Another circumstance of need interrupted their way to the home of Jairus, who must have wanted to pull Jesus away by the arm. But Jesus stopped to heal a hemorrhaging woman (and then commended her faith). In the meantime, all life had left the daughter of Jairus, who was suddenly faced with what he feared most. “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
