Mark 5:22
A synagogue leader named Jairus arrived, and seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet
A synagogue leader
The term "synagogue leader" refers to a person of significant authority and respect within the Jewish community. In the Greek, the word used is "archisynagogos," which denotes someone responsible for the administration and order of synagogue services. This role was crucial in maintaining the spiritual and communal life of the Jewish people. Historically, synagogue leaders were often well-versed in the Scriptures and held in high esteem, making Jairus's approach to Jesus a profound act of humility and faith, as he steps beyond traditional boundaries to seek help from Jesus.

named Jairus
The name "Jairus" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "he enlightens" or "he awakens." This is fitting, as Jairus's encounter with Jesus leads to a miraculous awakening of his daughter. The inclusion of his name personalizes the account, emphasizing the real, historical nature of the events. It also highlights the personal relationship and faith journey that Jairus embarks upon, moving from a position of authority to one of desperate need and trust in Jesus.

came
The verb "came" indicates an intentional action. Jairus's coming to Jesus is an act of faith and desperation. In the context of the narrative, this movement signifies a crossing of social and religious boundaries, as a respected Jewish leader approaches a controversial figure like Jesus. This action underscores the urgency and sincerity of Jairus's plea, as he sets aside his status and potential criticism to seek divine intervention.

and seeing Jesus
The phrase "seeing Jesus" suggests more than just physical sight; it implies recognition and understanding of who Jesus is. In the Greek, the word "seeing" (eidon) can also mean to perceive or to know. Jairus's recognition of Jesus as someone who can help him is a testament to his faith. This moment of seeing is pivotal, as it marks the beginning of a transformative encounter with the divine.

he fell at His feet
This act of falling at Jesus's feet is a gesture of deep reverence, submission, and desperation. In the cultural and historical context, such an act by a synagogue leader is extraordinary, as it signifies a relinquishing of pride and authority. The Greek word "proskuneo," often translated as "worship," is related to this act of falling down, indicating that Jairus's posture is one of worship and supplication. This physical act reflects the inner posture of Jairus's heart, acknowledging Jesus's power and authority over life and death.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jairus
A synagogue leader, indicating a person of significant religious and social standing within the Jewish community. His approach to Jesus demonstrates humility and desperation, as he seeks help for his dying daughter.

2. Jesus
Central figure in the Gospel, known for His teachings, miracles, and compassion. In this passage, Jesus is approached by Jairus, highlighting His accessibility and willingness to engage with those in need.

3. Synagogue
A place of worship and community gathering for Jews. Jairus' role as a leader here underscores the importance of his position and the potential risk he takes in publicly seeking Jesus' help.

4. Event
Jairus' act of falling at Jesus' feet is significant, symbolizing reverence, urgency, and faith. This event sets the stage for the subsequent miracle of Jesus raising Jairus' daughter from the dead.
Teaching Points
Faith in Action
Jairus' approach to Jesus demonstrates that true faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and seek Jesus earnestly, regardless of our social status or potential criticism.

Humility Before Christ
Jairus, despite his high position, humbles himself before Jesus. This teaches us the importance of humility in our relationship with Christ, recognizing His authority and power.

Desperation Leading to Faith
Sometimes, our most desperate moments can lead us to a deeper faith and reliance on Jesus. Jairus' desperation for his daughter's life drove him to seek Jesus, illustrating how our needs can draw us closer to God.

Jesus' Accessibility
Jesus' willingness to respond to Jairus' plea shows that He is accessible to all who seek Him with genuine faith, regardless of their background or status.

Community and Faith
As a synagogue leader, Jairus' faith journey would have impacted his community. Our faith actions can influence and inspire those around us, encouraging them to seek Jesus as well.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Jairus' approach to Jesus teach us about the nature of faith and humility?

2. How can we apply Jairus' example of faith in our own lives when facing desperate situations?

3. In what ways does Jesus' response to Jairus challenge our understanding of His accessibility and willingness to help?

4. How can our faith in Jesus influence and inspire our communities, similar to Jairus' potential impact on his synagogue?

5. Reflect on a time when desperation led you to seek Jesus more earnestly. How did that experience shape your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 9:18-26 and Luke 8:41-56
These parallel accounts provide additional details about Jairus' plea and the miracle of his daughter's resurrection, offering a fuller picture of the event.

Hebrews 11:6
This verse emphasizes the necessity of faith to please God, which is exemplified by Jairus' approach to Jesus, believing in His power to heal.

James 5:14-15
These verses discuss the power of prayer and faith in healing, paralleling Jairus' faith-driven request for Jesus' intervention.
Talitha CumiAlexander MaclarenMark 5:22
The Faith of JairusA. Rowland Mark 5:22
Ministries Broken in UponA.F. Muir Mark 5:21-34
A Proper PrayerR. Glover.Mark 5:21-43
A Revived FlowerJ. Cumming, D. D.Mark 5:21-43
Avowed and Hidden FaithR. Green Mark 5:21-43
Death a SleepEdwin Davies.Mark 5:21-43
Death a SleepB. Keach.Mark 5:21-43
Death of ChildrenWadsworth.Mark 5:21-43
Goeth in Where the Child WasR. Glover.Mark 5:21-43
Jairus' DaughterJ. H. Evans, M. A.Mark 5:21-43
Jairus's Daughter; Or, the Uses of BereavementA.F. Muir Mark 5:21-43
Jarius's Daughter; Or, the Course of a True FaithA.F. Muir Mark 5:21-43
Jesus Stronger than DeathAnon.Mark 5:21-43
Not Dead, But SleepingA. Mursell.Mark 5:21-43
Talitha CumiR. Glover.Mark 5:21-43
The Death of the Young Encourages a Spirit of Dependence on God in the Home Life of This WorldJ. B. Brown, B. A.Mark 5:21-43
The Death of the Young Imparts a Consecrating Influence to the Home LifeJ. B. Brown, B. A.Mark 5:21-43
The Death of the Young Lends a TenderJ. B. Brown, B. A.Mark 5:21-43
The Healing of Jairus' DaughterExpository Discourses., David Thomas, D. D.Mark 5:21-43
The Humane SocietyF. W. Robertson.Mark 5:21-43
The Raising of Jairus' DaughterExpository OutlinesMark 5:21-43
Touching in the ThrongJ.J. Given Mark 5:21-43
Why Death of the Godly is Called SleepG. Petter.Mark 5:21-43
People
Jair, Jairus, James, Jesus, John, Luke, Peter
Places
Decapolis, Galilee, Gerasa, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Behold, Beholding, Chiefs, Fall, Falleth, Falls, Fell, Jair, Jairus, Ja'irus, Named, Officials, Rulers, Seeing, Synagogue, Threw, Wardens
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 5:22

     5509   rulers
     7456   synagogue
     7719   elders, as leaders

Mark 5:21-34

     5279   crowds

Mark 5:22-23

     5151   feet
     5567   suffering, emotional
     5669   children, examples
     8239   earnestness
     8653   importunity, to God

Mark 5:22-42

     2012   Christ, authority
     2066   Christ, power of
     5194   touch

Library
September 12 Morning
I have seen his ways, and will heal him.--ISA. 57:18. I am the Lord that healeth thee. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.--Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.--All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Come now, and let us reason together,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Looks of Jesus
'And He looked round about to see her that had done this thing.'--Mark v. 32. This Gospel of Mark is full of little touches that speak an eye-witness who had the gift of noting and reproducing vividly small details which make a scene live before us. Sometimes it is a word of description: 'There was much grass in the place.' Sometimes it is a note of Christ's demeanour: 'Looking up to heaven, He sighed.' Sometimes it is the very Aramaic words He spoke: 'Ephphatha.' Very often the Evangelist tells
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Lord of Demons
'And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2. And when He was come out of the ship, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3. Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: 4. Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. 5. And always, night and day, he
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Refused Bequest
'He that had been possessed with the devil prayed Jesus that he might be with Him. 19. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee.'--Mark v. 18,19. There are three requests, singularly contrasted with each other, made to Christ in the course of this miracle of healing the Gadarene demoniac. The evil spirits ask to be permitted to go into the swine; the men of the country, caring more for their swine than their
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Talitha Cumi
And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw Him, he fell at His feet, 23. And besought Him greatly, saying, 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. 24. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed Him, and thronged Him.... 35. While He yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Power of Feeble Faith
'And a certain woman ... 27. When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched His garment. 28. For she said, If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.'--Mark v. 25, 27, 28. In all the narratives of this miracle, it is embedded in the story of Jairus's daughter, which it cuts in twain. I suppose that the Evangelists felt, and would have us feel, the impression of calm consciousness of power and of leisurely dignity produced by Christ's having time to pause even on such an
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Touch or Faith?
If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.... Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole.'--Mark v. 28,34. I. The erroneous faith.--In general terms there is here an illustration of how intellectual error may coexist with sincere faith. The precise form of error is clearly that she looked on the physical contact with the material garment as the vehicle of healing--the very same thing which we find ever since running through the whole history of the Church, e.g. the exaltation of externals,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Going Home --A Christmas Sermon
Now, this teaches us a very important fact, namely, this, that true religion does not break in sunder the bonds of family relationship. True religion seldom encroaches upon that sacred, I had almost said divine institution called home; it does not separate men from their families, and make them aliens to their flesh and blood. Superstition has done that; an awful superstition, which calls itself Christianity, has sundered men from their kind; but true religion has never done so. Why, if I might be
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Christ's Curate in Decapolis
"And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, God home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."--Mark v. 17-19. That is a striking name for a man, "he that had been possessed with the devil." It would stick to him as long as he lived, and it would be
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The General Observations are These.
There are in these relations proper circumstances of time and place, and the names and characters of persons. Of the miracle on Jairus's daughter, the time and place are sufficiently specified by St. Mark and St. Luke. It was soon after his crossing the sea of Galilee, after Jesus had cured the men possessed with devils in the country of the Gergesenes, Mark v. 21. And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him, and he was nigh unto the sea. And behold
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

R. W. Begins his Fifth Discourse, P. 1, 2. With Saying, that He is Now
to take into examination the three miracles of Jesus's raising the dead, viz. of Jairus's daughter, Matth. ix. Mark. v. Luke viii. of the widow of Naim's son, Luke vii. and of Lazarus, John xi: the literal stories of which, he says, he shall shew to consist of absurdities, improbabilities, and incredibilities, in order to the mystical interpretation of them. I have read over his examination of these miracles, and am still of opinion, that the histories of them are credible. I. I will therefore first
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

Conversion, Its Nature and Necessity.
Closely related to the doctrine of the power, or efficacy, of the divine Word--as considered in the last chapter--is the doctrine of conversion. It is the subject of conversion, therefore, that we now purpose to examine. It is an important subject. It deserves a prominent place in treating of the Way of Salvation. It is also an intensely personal subject. Each one who desires to be in the Way of Salvation is personally interested in it. The eternal destiny of every one who reads these pages is closely
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

The Third Continental Journey.
1833-4. PART II.--GREECE On the 21st of the Eleventh Month John and Martha Yeardley left Ancona, and had a safe but suffering voyage of two days to Corfu, the capital of the island of that name. The atmosphere in this place, writes J.Y., soon after they landed, is different from Ancona in every respect. It has to us a feeling of home, and our minds are clothed with peace and, I trust, gratitude to the Father of mercies. What we may find to do is yet a secret to us, but He who has brought us here
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

The Legion Dispossessed. Mk 5:18,19

John Newton—Olney Hymns

Christian Cemeteries.
Sanctity of tombs guaranteed to all creeds alike.--The Christians' preference for underground cemeteries not due to fear at first.--Origin and cause of the first persecutions.--The attitude of Trajan towards the Christians, and its results.--The persecution of Diocletian.--The history of the early Christians illustrated by their graves.--The tombs of the first century.--The catacombs.--How they were named.--The security they offered against attack.--Their enormous extent.--Their gradual abandonment
Rodolfo Lanciani—Pagan and Christian Rome

The Service Common to Two and Many Female Martyrs.
At the Vespers, for O Lord, I have cried, the Stichera, Tone 4. Similar to: Thou hast given a sign... The virgin-maidens, united by the law of nature and manifestly sustained by the love unto their Maker, were by faith freed from the ties of the body; the impotent enemy they have valiantly destroyed under their feet, became resplendently adorned with the honours of victors and are rejoicing having found their abode in the intellectual bridal chambers. The all-honoured have endured fire and multiformous
Anonymous—The General Menaion

The Demoniac of Gadara
"And they came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes. And when he was come out of the boat, straightway there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling in the tombs: and no man could any more bind him, no, not with a chain; because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been rent asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: and no man had strength to tame him. And always, night and day, in the tombs
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Men of Gadara
"And they that fed them fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they came to see what it was that had come to pass. And they come to Jesus, and behold him that was possessed with devils sitting, clothed and in his right mind, even him that had the legion: and they were afraid. And they that saw it declared unto them how it befell him that was possessed with devils, and concerning the swine. And they began to beseech Him to depart from their borders. And as He was entering into the
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

With Jairus
"And when Jesus had crossed over again in the boat unto the other side, a great multitude was gathered unto Him: and He was by the sea. And there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and seeing Him, he falleth at His feet, and beseecheth Him much, saying, My little daughter is at the point of death: I pray Thee that Thou come and lay Thy hands on her, that she may be made whole, and live. And He went with him; and a great multitude followed Him, and they thronged Him. And a
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God Distinguished by Certain Marks from Fictitious Gods.
1. The mere fact of creation should lead us to acknowledge God, but to prevent our falling away to Gentile fictions, God has been pleased to furnish a history of the creation. An impious objection, Why the world was not created sooner? Answer to it. Shrewd saying of an old man. 2. For the same reason, the world was created, not in an instant, but in six days. The order of creation described, showing that Adam was not created until God had, with infinite goodness made ample provision for him. 3. The
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

How I Know God Answers Prayer
How I Know God Answers Prayer The Personal Testimony of One Life-Time By ROSALIND GOFORTH (Mrs. Jonathan Goforth) Missionary in China since 1888 "They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness."--Psalm 145:7. "Go . . . and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee."--Mark 5:19. HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS NEW YORK AND LONDON Copyright, 1921, by Harper & Brothers PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Rosalind Goforth—How I Know God Answers Prayer

Synopsis. --Arbitrary Criticism of the Biblical Narratives of the Raising of the "Dead. " --Facts which it Ignores. --The Subject Related to the Phenomena of Trance
III SYNOPSIS.--Arbitrary criticism of the Biblical narratives of the raising of the "dead."--Facts which it ignores.--The subject related to the phenomena of trance, and records of premature burial.--The resuscitation in Elisha's tomb probably historical.--Jesus' raising of the ruler's daughter plainly a case of this kind.--His raising of the widow's son probably such.--The hypothesis that his raising of Lazarus may also have been such critically examined.--The record allows this supposition.--Further
James Morris Whiton—Miracles and Supernatural Religion

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
(Gergesa, Now Called Khersa.) ^A Matt. VIII. 28-34; IX. 1; ^B Mark V. 1-21; ^C Luke VIII. 26-40. ^b 1 And they came to the other side of the sea [They left in the "even," an elastic expression. If they left in the middle of the afternoon and were driven forward by the storm, they would have reached the far shore several hours before dark], ^c 26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee. ^a 28 And when he was come into the country of the Gadarenes. ^c 27 And
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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