While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.—Mark 5:35-37
Jesus here encourages Jairus after hearing that his little girl had died to not be afraid...but only to believe. Luke, in his account of the story says this:
But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”—Luke 8:50
J MacArthur says the word believe used here, is a verb that expresses a command for present, continuous action. Jesus then, is commanding Jairus to maintain his faith...the faith that he originally demonstrated in coming to Jesus...even in the face of the loss of his precious daughter. Jesus goes on in the story to raise Jairus’ little girl from the dead. What a precious gift to her parents and those who witnessed the miracle with them. They maintained their confidence in Christ and were rewarded abundantly.
Beloved, don’t lose heart in your own seemingly hopeless situation...only believe. Faith is ALWAYS the right response. Hear the voice of Your beloved Jesus in your own grief and helplessness...do not be afraid; only believe. His will for you Is good. His desire for you is to give you a future and a hope. He wants to do great things for you! Trust Him to do what is best. There are many, even just in my own life, that need Jesus to breathe life into their hearts. Believe...Our God is compassionate...He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to life in His Son. Truly, good things come to those who believe...even life from the dead.
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.—Psalm 27:13
