Jairus was a first-century ruler in the synagogue of Capernaum, but when we meet him in Scripture, his power and prestige mattered little. What mattered to Jairus was his 12-year-old daughter was dying. It was this crisis that set in motion one of the most beautiful displays of Jesus’ divine power in the Gospels.
On this Father’s Day, here are three key lessons we can learn from Jairus’s story:
1. Take Your Needs to the Lord
As a well-respected community leader, Jairus likely had access to the best medical care available in that region and at the time. He also had great support from family, friends, and neighbors. And there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of whatever resources we have available, but…
Jairus did not hesitate to approach Jesus directly when he needed help. Neither should we.
Facing a dire situation with his dying daughter, he sought out Jesus, fell at His feet, and earnestly pleaded for his daughter’s healing (see Mark 5:22-23, KJV). In doing this, Jairus put his reputation and career at risk by seeking out Jesus. He put both his daughter and Jesus ahead of any traditions or risk to his social standing. He truly humbled himself before the Lord.
2. God’s Power is Greater Than Circumstances
As Jairus led Jesus to his house, he received the devastating news that his daughter had already died. Despite this, Jesus encouraged him not to fear but to believe (Mark 5:35-36, KJV). Jairus continued the journey home with Jesus, holding onto hope against hope.
Faith is not dependent on our circumstances but on our trust in God’s power. Even when situations seem impossible, our faith can lead us to experience the miraculous. Even when we get dire news, we must maintain our faith and trust, even when the outcome seems uncertain or when we might be tempted to give up.
3. The Lord is Full of Compassion
Upon reaching Jairus’s home, Jesus demonstrated compassion not just through words but through decisive action. He went to the girl, took her by the hand, and brought her back to life, saying, “Damsel, I say unto thee, arise” (Mark 5:41, KJV). This miracle was a profound demonstration of Jesus’ power and empathy.
The Bible is clear that sometimes the healing doesn’t take place in this life (see II Corinthians 12:9). Even Jesus declined to heal some during His ministry (see Mark 1:35-39). This can be challenging to accept, but remember even Jairus’s daughter eventually passed. Maybe she lived to an old age. We don’t know. But she’s not still with us. All of the people Jesus healed or raised from the dead still died at some point.
The reality, however, that all of us will suffer at least some in this life and we will all die does not negate the Lord’s compassion. This world, in its present state, is not our home. And Paul tells us that what we endure in this present world is “not worthy to be compared” with all that God has in store for those who love Him (see Romans 8 — all of it).
Whether the Lord heals you or your loved one in this life or in the next is up to Him. Our task is to go to Him with our needs. And we should. Only God can provide full healing and only He can give you the grace and strength needed to get through the trials and difficulties of this life.
We serve a God full of compassion who will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Put Your Faith Into Action
I know the article says three lessons, but allow me to close with a fourth “bonus” point – which is (I suppose you can say) combining the three previous points into one practical application. As we’ve seen, the story of Jairus and his daughter teaches us about the importance of taking our needs to the Lord, trusting that His power is greater than our challenges and circumstances, and that His compassion is overflowing.
It’s also a lesson that faith is not passive, but active. Jairus didn’t just passively believe. He sought out Jesus. His faith had humility and sacrificial action behind it. Does yours?
Let these lessons inspire you to pray passionately, believe deeply, and trust boldly. These lessons apply, of course, to both men and women — and to believers of all ages. But there’s something special, I believe, in this story for dads. And, so…
Dads, if you’re reading this… take these lessons from the story of Jairus. They will make you a better father to your children and a better servant to your Heavenly Father.
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