Jairus

Jairus served as a ruler of the synagogue—likely at Capernaum—when his only daughter, about twelve years old, lay dying. Setting aside whatever scruples his colleagues had toward Jesus, he came and fell at His feet, beseeching Him greatly: "My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live."

Jesus went with him through the press of the multitude. On the way, a woman with an issue of blood touched the hem of His garment and was healed, and Jesus paused to draw out her confession. While He yet spake, messengers came from Jairus's house: "Thy daughter is dead; why troublest thou the Master any further?" Jesus, hearing the word, immediately said unto him, "Be not afraid, only believe."

At the house Jesus put out the mourners who laughed Him to scorn, taking only Peter, James, John, and the child's parents into the chamber. He took her by the hand and said, "Talitha cumi"—Maid, arise. Straightway the damsel arose and walked, and Jesus charged them to give her meat and to tell no man what was done.

Jairus's story stands among the only resurrections recorded in Christ's ministry, alongside the widow of Nain's son and Lazarus. His humility—a respected ruler kneeling publicly before Jesus—and his faith pressed forward even past the report of death, model the kind of trust the gospel commends.