“DON’T BE AFRAID; JUST BELIEVE”

Passage: Luke 8:49-56

Key verse: 50

NIV

49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader.(A) “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James,(B) and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning(C) for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”(D)

53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!”(E) 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.(F)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

49 While he was still speaking, someone from (A)the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; (B)do not trouble (C)the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except (D)Peter and (E)John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and (F)mourning for her, but he (G)said, “Do not weep, for (H)she is not dead but (I)sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But (J)taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, (K)arise.” 55 And (L)her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed, but (M)he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Jairus had put his faith in Jesus to heal his ill daughter. But when he heard the news of his daughter’s death and bad advice not to bother Jesus anymore, his hope was wiped away. He feared that death was the end. Jairus’ faith was put to the test. Jesus said to him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Jesus wanted him to simply entrust everything into Jesus’ hands. Jesus wanted him to believe that Jesus had power over life and death. Sometimes we can be caught between, “Don’t bother Jesus anymore” and “Just believe.” Faith is to continue having hope in Jesus even in hopeless situations.

The people at Jairus' house were wailing and mourning for the dead girl. When Jesus told them that the girl was asleep, they laughed at him. Jesus went in with his three disciples and the parents to plant the resurrection faith and make them witnesses of it. At Jesus’ word and touch, the girl’s spirit returned, and she stood up. Jairus received his daughter back from death. Jesus proved that he has power over death. In Jesus, death is not the end. He came to rescue us from the power of sin and death.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Jesus who came to rescue us from the power of sin and death. Help us just believe.

One Word: Just believe