Mark 5:40

And they laughed at Him. After He had put them all outside, He took the child's father and mother and His own companions, and went in to see the child.

Study Bible

But they laughed at Him
This phrase captures the reaction of the mourners and onlookers to Jesus' assertion that the child was not dead but sleeping. The Greek word used here for "laughed" is "καταγελάω" (katagelao), which implies a scornful or mocking laughter. This reaction highlights the disbelief and skepticism of the people, who were likely professional mourners familiar with death, underscoring their lack of faith in Jesus' power over life and death. Historically, this moment reflects the common human tendency to doubt what seems impossible, setting the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His divine authority.

After He had put them all outside
The phrase indicates Jesus' decisive action to remove the unbelieving crowd from the room. The Greek verb "ἐκβάλλω" (ekballo) means to cast out or expel, suggesting a forceful removal. This action signifies the importance of faith and the exclusion of doubt when witnessing the miraculous. By clearing the room, Jesus creates an environment of faith and intimacy, allowing only those who believe to witness the miracle. This act can be seen as a metaphor for the necessity of removing doubt and negativity from our lives to fully experience God's work.

He took the child’s father and mother and His own companions
Here, Jesus chooses to include only the child's parents and His closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. This selection underscores the importance of a supportive, faith-filled community in moments of divine intervention. The presence of the parents highlights the personal and compassionate nature of Jesus' ministry, as He involves them directly in the miracle concerning their daughter. The inclusion of His companions, who were part of His inner circle, serves as a teaching moment for them, preparing them for their future roles as leaders in the early Church.

and went in to the child
This phrase marks the transition from public skepticism to private faith. The act of going in to the child signifies Jesus' willingness to enter into the personal and intimate spaces of human suffering and need. It reflects His compassion and readiness to bring life and hope where there is despair. In a broader scriptural context, this action symbolizes Jesus' mission to bring light into darkness and life into death, fulfilling the prophecies of the Messiah who would heal and restore. This moment foreshadows the ultimate victory over death that Jesus would achieve through His resurrection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
- The central figure in this passage, demonstrating His authority over life and death.

2. The Crowd
- Those who laughed at Jesus, representing disbelief and skepticism.

3. The Child's Father and Mother
- Jairus and his wife, who are in a state of desperation and hope.

4. The Child
- Jairus' daughter, who is the focus of Jesus' miraculous power.

5. The Inner Circle
- Peter, James, and John, who are chosen by Jesus to witness the miracle.

Teaching Points

Faith vs. Skepticism
The crowd's laughter represents a lack of faith. In our lives, we must choose faith over skepticism, trusting in Jesus' power and promises.

Jesus' Authority
Jesus demonstrates His authority over life and death. We can trust Him with every aspect of our lives, knowing He has ultimate control.

Intimacy with Jesus
Jesus invites only a select few to witness the miracle, showing the importance of a close relationship with Him. We should seek to be part of His inner circle through prayer and obedience.

The Power of Belief
Despite the crowd's disbelief, Jairus' faith leads to a miracle. Our belief in Jesus can lead to transformation and miracles in our own lives.

Exclusion of Doubt
Jesus puts the scoffers outside before performing the miracle. We should remove doubt and negativity from our lives to fully experience God's work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of the crowd in Mark 5:40 challenge us to examine our own faith in Jesus' power?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a closer relationship with Jesus, similar to the inner circle of disciples?

3. How can we apply the principle of excluding doubt and negativity from our lives to better experience God's work?

4. What are some areas in our lives where we need to trust Jesus' authority and power more fully?

5. How does the account of Jairus' daughter encourage us to maintain faith in seemingly hopeless situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 9:24-25
and Luke 8:53-54
These parallel accounts provide additional context and details about the event, emphasizing Jesus' authority and the crowd's disbelief.

Hebrews 11:6
Highlights the necessity of faith to please God, contrasting the crowd's skepticism with the faith of Jairus.

John 11:25-26
Jesus' declaration as the resurrection and the life, reinforcing His power over death as demonstrated in this miracle.