Talitha Cumi

The Story

Jairus was an important man, a ruler of the synagogue in his town. But that day, none of that mattered. His twelve-year-old daughter was dying.

He found Jesus, fell at His feet, and begged, “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. But the crowd was huge, and on the way, Jesus stopped to heal a woman who had touched His garment. Every minute must have felt like an hour to Jairus.

Then the message came that he had dreaded. “Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?”

Jesus heard it, and He turned to Jairus right away. “Be not afraid, only believe.”

When they reached the house, it was full of people weeping and wailing. Jesus said, “The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.” They laughed at Him.

He sent them all out. Then He took the girl’s father and mother and three of His disciples into the room where she lay. He took her by the hand and said, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”

Immediately she got up and walked around. Her parents were astonished. And Jesus told them to give her something to eat.

Reflection