Who is Jairus?

Jairus is an interesting, if fleeting, character in scripture (Mark 5:21-24,35-43). Certainly, parents relate immediately with him. We don’t know how much he knew about Jesus or how interested he would have otherwise been about him. As an important synagogue official he probably shared the general disapproval of Jesus by religious authorities. By the same token he must have heard, or perhaps even witnessed, impressive accounts of healing by this teacher from outside the religious establishment. 

We know too how preconceptions can evaporate in the face of our child’s immediate crisis. Jairus didn’t hesitate. He could have sent servants or his wife, but it seems he knew, “that bloke from Nazareth can save her and I need to find him myself and humbly beg him to do so. Never mind what religious authorities or anyone else might say or think. Never mind the effects on my community standing or my career. My beloved daughter is dying, and I will do whatever I must.” Perhaps it was awkward kneeling before Jesus and begging, but he was desperate. 

Even after her apparent death, Jesus unwaveringly told him to “only have faith” and so Jairus did.  Those were the words that he needed to hear. Without trust, Jesus’ curative action would be frustrated, and the vibe of the disparaging and distrusting mob was so negative, he has them ejected. With only the faithful couple and the disciples around him, Jesus raises the girl. Amid the “astonishment” we can picture the joy of Jairus and his wife as their beloved daughter is restored to them in full health. What does Jairus do next? We don’t know, but it is hard to imagine that the encounter left him and his family unchanged. Probably they became devoted disciples. 

That we might have the faith of Jairus!

Deacon Mark Kelly