In Mark 5, we meet a man named Jairus, a leader in the local synagogue, which meant he was a man of some importance. His daughter is dying and he has run to the shore where a crowd has gathered to meet Jesus.

“When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. ‘My little daughter is dying,’ he said. ‘Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.’” (Mark 5:22b-23)

We aren’t told why Jairus’ daughter was dying—if it was from a long illness or if it was a sudden occurrence—but we meet Jairus in a time of need and desperation and his response is to run to Jesus. He had faith that Jesus could heal her and he did what he was supposed to do. So Jesus goes with Jairus and the crowd begins pushing in on them.

“A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, ‘If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.’ Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.” (Mark 5:25-29)

We aren’t told why Jairus’ daughter was dying, but we do learn a lot about this woman. She suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, spent all of her money on many doctors who could give her no answers, and she too did what she was supposed to do: she had faith that Jesus could heal her and she goes to Him.

“Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my robe?’” (Mark 5:30)

The disciples almost dismiss Jesus’ question because there is a large crowd and several people were touching Jesus. But Jesus “kept on looking to see who had done it” (v. 32). This woman was important to Jesus. He was on his way to an important man’s house to heal his dying daughter, but along came another daughter who also needed Jesus’ help. Society would have put a priority on the synagogue leader, but Jesus stops to find the woman who had touched his robes in faith.

“Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.’” (Mark 5:33-34)

This is the only time in Scripture we see Jesus call a woman “daughter.” He validates her. He was on his way to the house of a man with status and he takes the time to validate this woman who he calls “daughter.” Now, we all have the privilege of being called sons and daughters of God.

“And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:18)

While Jesus spoke to the woman, messengers from Jairus’ home arrived and informed him that his daughter had died and that “there’s no use troubling the Teacher now.” It’s too late. There’s no hope. Don’t bother God about this. It’s over. Jairus had done everything right. The situation was dire and he came to Jesus. He fell at Jesus’ feet and pleaded with him and now he’s being told that it’s too late. Jesus just wasn’t fast enough. But it’s never too late for Jesus, and in response Jesus delivers one of the most simple and encouraging lines in Scripture.

“But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.’” (Mark 5:36)

Do you need to hear that from Jesus today? Don’t be afraid. Just have faith. Are you facing a situation that seems hopeless? Did you do everything right and still you find yourself with troubles and frustrations? Even when you feel that there is no use troubling Jesus with whatever your situation/problem is, even if it seems like Jesus is too late, remember it’s never too late for Jesus. The One who created time can never be late. Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.

Of course Jesus goes to the house and brings the dead girl back to life. It’s never too late. Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Redeemed