MARK 05:21–24, 35–43
THE RAISING OF JAIRUS’S DAUGHTER
Text – Mark 5:21–24, 35–43
21 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea.
22 One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him, he fell at his feet
23 and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.”
24 He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.
35 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?”
36 Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”
37 He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.
38 When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.
39 So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.”
40 And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was.
41 He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”
42 The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. [At that] they were utterly astounded.
43 He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.
Historical and Jewish Context
Jairus, as a synagogue official, was a respected leader responsible for organizing worship and maintaining the synagogue. His approach to Jesus—falling at His feet—showed profound humility and faith, especially remarkable for a man of his status. In Jewish culture, touching the dead brought ritual impurity (Numbers 19:11), yet Jesus reached out and touched the girl, demonstrating that divine holiness overcomes impurity and death itself. The child’s age, twelve, is symbolic—twelve being the number of God’s covenant people, Israel. The phrase “Talitha koum” preserves Jesus’ Aramaic words, highlighting the tenderness and authority of His command. In saying the child was “asleep,” Jesus redefined death for believers as temporary rest, anticipating resurrection.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This miracle, one of the most tender in the Gospels, reveals Jesus as Lord of life and death. It is both a sign of His divine power and a foreshadowing of His own resurrection. Jairus’ faith, though tested by delay and apparent hopelessness, is rewarded because he trusts in Christ’s word rather than human report. “Do not be afraid; just have faith” (v. 36) stands as a timeless message to every believer facing fear, loss, or despair.
From a Catholic perspective, the story also symbolizes the Church’s mission to bring spiritual life to a world dead in sin. The girl’s awakening mirrors the grace of baptism and the renewal of souls through Christ’s power. Jesus’ gesture of taking her hand expresses sacramental touch—the way God’s grace works through tangible signs. His instruction to give her food prefigures the Eucharist, the nourishment of new life in grace. Faith, obedience, and divine compassion unite in this miracle as an image of salvation itself.
Parallels in Scripture
1 Kings 17:21–22 – Elijah raises the widow’s son.
2 Kings 4:32–37 – Elisha raises the Shunammite’s child.
Luke 7:11–15 – Jesus raises the widow’s son at Nain.
John 11:38–44 – The raising of Lazarus.
John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”
Key Terms
Jairus: A synagogue leader whose faith crosses boundaries of status and fear.
Talitha koum: Aramaic for “Little girl, arise,” showing Jesus’ personal tenderness.
Asleep: Symbolic expression for death seen as temporary in light of resurrection.
Faith: Complete trust in Jesus’ power and word, even against visible reality.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is often proclaimed in liturgies focusing on faith and healing, as well as in funerals and catechesis on eternal life. It assures the faithful that death is not the end but a transition to new life in Christ. In the Eucharist, believers experience the same voice of Christ saying, “Arise,” as He raises souls from sin to grace. This miracle is also a model for Christian hope—trusting that Christ’s touch can restore life wherever despair reigns.
Conclusion
The raising of Jairus’s daughter proclaims that faith in Jesus conquers fear and death. Where human power ends, divine compassion begins. Jesus’ gentle command, “Little girl, arise,” echoes across time as His invitation to all who lie dead in sin or fear to rise into new life. His touch restores, His word revives, and His presence transforms sorrow into joy.
Reflection
Do I trust Jesus even when all seems lost? Like Jairus, I am called to persevere in faith, believing that Christ’s word brings life even in darkness. His presence in my home, my heart, and my struggles can raise me to new hope and peace.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. Strengthen my faith when I face trials and loss. Take me by the hand and speak Your word of life into my heart. Help me rise each day in hope, living in the joy of Your presence and the power of Your love. Amen.