Do not fear, only believe. 

Mark 5:36

When your world collapses and all seems lost, only believe. That’s easy for Jesus to say…I mean, He’s Jesus. I think it’s ok to be real with each other. Sometimes it doesn’t seem that Jesus is enough. Did I say that? Yep. Sometimes it seems that Jesus is not enough. But, He is. I can imagine when you’re going through the fire of disappointment and loss that Jesus sometimes appears to be far away, but His timing and comfort are always on time if we trust Him.

I don’t know what your pain point is today, but I’m sure that you’re experiencing pain beyond imagination or know people who are sick and struggling. Perhaps you’ve had to bury someone you loved. Whatever it is, Jesus knows, and Jesus cares.

Do Not Fear

The story is fascinating. One of the synagogue rulers who had management responsibilities at the temple came to Jesus. Even one of the synagogue rulers understood who Jesus was and the power Jesus displayed. He had faith in Jesus and begged Jesus to visit his house and lay His hands on his daughter so that she would be made alive and well (Mark 5:23). 

So they made the trek to the ruler’s (Jairus) house. But on the way, someone from Jairus’ house came and told him that his daughter had already died. Imagine the sinking heart and the feeling of despair that suddenly fell over Jairus. And then these words…”Why trouble the Teacher any further?” To most, that statement makes complete sense. His daughter died, Jesus was late, and there was nothing else to do.

Jesus heard this and said, “Do not fear, only believe.”

He continued to follow the ruler to his house. But why? To provide comfort? To be a shoulder on which to cry? No.

Jesus commanded the ruler, not to fear. I don’t know how this came across to the synagogue leader, or even if the leader heard what Jesus said. You know how it is when you’re in the middle of a crisis. You don’t always hear everything. But when you realize you’re with Jesus, you better hear everything. He said, “Do not fear.”

Jesus entered the house where Talitha, the daughter who died, was lying. He told those around that she was just sleeping, and they laughed at him. At that point, he sent everyone who was laughing out. Can you imagine the pain caused by those laughing at such a solemn and disappointing occasion?

Only Believe

On the road to Jairus’ house, Jesus told him not to fear but ONLY believe. This was after hearing that Talitha already died. So what is the teaching point for Jesus here? Jesus wanted Jairus to understand that our circumstances should never define our faith. Faith is powerful because it operates in the dark. What do I mean? I mean, you can’t see the outcome while you’re exercising faith. It is only after you exercise faith that you experience the result. 

Imagine the ruler of the synagogue hearing Jesus say, “Do not fear, only believe.” I don’t know what your response would have been, but I know the ruler and Jesus continued to make their way to the house, and Jesus raised his daughter from the dead. 

This story isn’t about raising the daughter from the dead. This story is about someone living with belief and faith rather than doubt and fear.

I want to encourage you to live a life of faith that transforms those around you. Can you imagine the laughing in the room when Jesus said that the little girl was only sleeping? How incredibly rude. Guess what? Sometimes when you live a life of transforming faith, others will laugh, and that’s going to be ok. Our belief should never base itself on the affirmation of others.

Do you fear, or do you believe?