Hello, chosen ones of God,
Today, let’s explore the events that transpired after Jesus entered Jairus’ house to tend to his “sleeping” child:
And they came to the house of the synagogue official; and He saw a commotion, and people loudly crying and wailing.
— Mark 5:38
The verse before this tells us that Jesus specifically chose three disciples to enter the house with Him. In this verse, Mark takes us inside the house to witness the situation. What was happening was a commotion. The word Mark uses here means “a noise, uproar, tumult, as of an excited mob.” This was a typical Jewish funeral.
Another element in this setting that reinforces the funeral motif is the “people crying loudly and wailing.” Culturally, in most funerals of the time, professional mourners were hired to maintain an atmosphere of mourning.
In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, mourning was a significant and communal expression of grief, often marked by specific rituals and practices. Among these practices was the hiring of professional mourners, individuals engaged to lament and express sorrow on behalf of the bereaved family. This custom is evident in various passages of Scripture and provides insight into the societal norms surrounding death and mourning in ancient times.
— BibleHub.com
We see this practice mentioned in the prophecies of Jeremiah, where skilled mourning women are called upon to lament over Zion:
Thus says Yahweh of hosts,
“Carefully consider and call for the mourning women, that they may come;
And send for the skillful women, that they may come!”
— Jeremiah 9:17
Next, we see Jesus, the great Physician, make a diagnosis of the young girl’s condition:
And entering in, He said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and crying? The child has not died, but is asleep.”
— Mark 5:39
Jesus’ diagnosis contrasts sharply with that of those already present, who had declared her dead:
While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?”
— Mark 5:35
It is important to note that the word used to describe her condition earlier was not metaphorical but literal. For instance, Peter used the same word to express his willingness to die with Christ:
Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.
— Matthew 26:35
Mark later uses the same term regarding Jesus’ death:
And Pilate wondered if He had died by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He already died. And ascertaining this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.
— Mark 15:44-45
This highlights that the girl’s state was recognized as literal death. Other Gospel writers use this term for Lazarus before Jesus brought him back to life:
So Jesus then said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.”
— John 11:14
The reaction of those present confirms their belief in the girl’s death:
And they began laughing at Him. But putting them all out, He took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was.
— Mark 5:40
The sudden shift from mourning to laughter highlights the professional mourners’ lack of emotional connection to the family. Jairus’ status as a synagogue official likely explains the attendance of some individuals who may not have shared in his grief but were present due to his position.
This serves as a reminder: not everyone around us mourns or rejoices with us sincerely. Some may be present for ulterior motives.
Jesus’ response to the mockers and skeptics was to put them out. He retained only those closest to Him and the child’s parents, creating an environment focused on glorifying God.
And taking the child by the hand, He said to her, “Talitha kum!” (which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”).
— Mark 5:41
This phrase reveals Jesus’ compassion and affection for the child. By the power of His words, He brought her back to life.
And immediately the little girl stood up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded.
— Mark 5:42
Biblical miracles, unlike many claims today, are clear, immediate, and verifiable. The girl’s resurrection was undeniable, witnessed by those who had accepted her death.
Moreover, she was not just revived; she was made whole. She stood and walked, a testament to Jesus’ power as Creator, restoring her completely.
In the final part of the narrative, Jesus gives an instruction:
And He said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
— Mark 1:44
This aligns with His earlier instruction to keep His identity as the Christ hidden until the appointed time:
And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” But He warned them and directed them not to tell this to anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.”
— Luke 9:20-22
After His crucifixion and resurrection, the Gospel was to go out to all nations.
From this narrative, may we learn to glorify God in all that we do, putting aside anything that hinders us. Let us also recognize Jesus as our compassionate Savior who has power even over death.
Blessings!
Leave a Reply