The Encounter:
Jairus falls at Jesus’ feet and urgently asks Him to come lay hands on his daughter so she may be saved and live. Jesus goes with him as a crowd follows (Mark 5:22–24). After the report of the girl’s death, Jesus addresses Jairus: “Do not fear, only believe” (Mark 5:35–36).
The Divine Intervention:
At the house, Jesus permits only Peter, James, and John to accompany Him, along with the child’s father and mother. He puts the mourners outside, takes the child by the hand, and says, “Talitha cumi,” which Mark translates, “Little girl, I say to you, arise” (Mark 5:37–41).
The Immediate Result:
The girl immediately rises and walks (she is described as twelve years old). Those present are “immediately overcome with amazement.” Jesus instructs them to give her something to eat and commands that no one should know (Mark 5:42–43).
This miracle reveals Jesus’ authority over death, showing that even when human help ends (“Why trouble the Teacher any further?”), His word remains effective and life-giving (Mark 5:35–41). The raising is a sign of His messianic identity and divine authority, calling for faith (“only believe”) and demonstrating that His presence reverses ultimate loss by His command (Mark 5:36, 41–42).
Mark preserves Jesus’ Aramaic words “Talitha cumi” and immediately translates them for readers (Mark 5:41). This linguistic detail underscores the eyewitness-like character of the account and highlights the simplicity and directness of Jesus’ command that overcomes death.
“And he said to her, ‘Talitha cumi,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’” — Mark 5:41
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. What did Jesus say to Jairus after messengers reported that the girl had died?
2. Which three disciples did Jesus permit to accompany Him into the house with the child's parents?