‘“While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”’ (Mark 5:35 NIV)
This passage captures one of the most heartbreaking interruptions in Scripture. Jairus, a synagogue leader, had pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. But while Jesus paused to heal a woman with a twelve “Your daughter is dead. -year flow of blood, messengers arrived with devastating news: ” The implication was clear: Jesus was too late. The deed has been done. The case is closed.
This tension between divine compassion and human urgency is not new. The Scripture is filled with stories where God allows situations to reach their breaking point before intervening:
- Abraham and Sarah waited decades for Isaac.
- Israel at the Red Sea faced annihilation before deliverance.
- Lazarus was allowed to die before Jesus raised him.
And now, in Mark 5:35, the daughter they were seeking healing for had died. Human hope has expired.
However, what seems like a closed matter is actually preparation for a greater miracle. In the economy of heaven, Jesus is never late. Immediately after the news, Jesus turns to Jairus and says, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). This is not a denial of reality, but a divine assurance of victory. Jesus acknowledges the pain but invites Jairus into a deeper faith, one that trusts beyond the grave.
What challenges of life are you currently battling with? Is it spiritual, mental or physical health, economic, family, education, job, or any other? Jesus has not come to prevent us from life challenges, but to grant us victory over them. Remember Jesus’ word in John 16:33b: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He is never late.
Rev. Moses Abayomi Sodeinde
