We Need Only Jesus

We are familiar with the account of the grieving father who came to Jesus for the healing of his dying daughter. “One of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she shall live.’ So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him” (Mark 5:22–24).

Clearly, Jairus had a good measure of faith. He urged Jesus, “Come and lay hands on her and she’ll be healed.” What an affirmation of Jairus’ deep belief: “My daughter only needs Jesus’ touch. He has all power. He can keep her from death.”

Jairus’ attitude represents most Christians today. When we are in a deep crisis, we know Jesus is our only hope. And so we run to Him in our need, falling at His feet and seeking His mercy and help.

Jesus responded to Jairus’ faith by going with him. Can you imagine the great hope that must have filled that father’s heart? Yet, at the same time, I believe a terrible thought might have struck Jairus: “What if we’re too late? It’s wonderful to have Jesus by my side but we need time. With every step we take back to my house, life is seeping out of my daughter.”

In our own crises, most of us say the same thing Jairus did: “I need you, Jesus. But we are running out of time.” Had Jairus known who Jesus was — the resurrection and the life — he would have rested at heart. He could have reassured his troubled spirit, “Jesus exists outside of time. We don’t need more time. We only need Him!”