Stories With a Purpose

A miracle of Jesus · Part 12 of 20 · 4 min

Jairus’ Daughter Got Up

Jairus was very worried. He was a leader at the synagogue, and his daughter was seriously ill.

Jairus was worried about his sick daughter.
Jairus was worried about his sick daughter.

He found Jesus, knelt down, and asked him to come to his house. His little girl needed help.

Jairus knelt before Jesus to ask for help.
Jairus knelt before Jesus to ask for help.

Jesus began walking with Jairus.

Along the way, Jesus stopped to help a woman. Meanwhile, people came from the house with very sad news: the girl had died.

Some men brought sad news to Jairus.
Some men brought sad news to Jairus.

Jesus heard what they said. He encouraged Jairus to keep trusting and continued toward the house.

When they arrived, people were crying and grieving. Jesus went inside with the girl's parents and three of his disciples.

Many people were crying at the entrance to the house.
Many people were crying at the entrance to the house.

Jesus asked them, “Why are you making a commotion and crying? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” The girl had died, but Jesus knew he could give her life again. For him, death is like a sleep: he has the power to awaken those who have died.

Some people laughed at Jesus. They did not believe he could help the girl. He asked them to leave and went into the room with her father, her mother, and the three disciples.

Some people laughed when Jesus said the girl was sleeping.
Some people laughed when Jesus said the girl was sleeping.

He came close to her and took her hand.

Jesus stands beside the parents of a girl lying in a simple bed.
Jesus went with Jairus to his daughter.

The girl received life, stood up, and began to walk. She was twelve years old.

Jairus’s daughter stood up and walked beside Jesus and her parents.
Jairus’s daughter stood up and walked beside Jesus and her parents.

Her parents were amazed. Jesus remembered a simple need: he asked them to give her something to eat.

The girl could get up and walk.

Jesus had done something extraordinary. He also cared that the girl was hungry.

His care included both her life and her small, everyday needs.

When someone has been ill, we can help them rest, bring something they need, or speak gently. An adult can show us how to help.

A child brought water to his sick father.
A child brought water to his sick father.

We can also remember families who are going through sad times. We do not need every answer to be loving company.

Jesus listened to Jairus' worry. We can tell him about our needs and care for others with tenderness.

Jesus cares and helps, and we can share his kindness.

Retelling of Mark 5:21–24, 35–43.

Supporting reading: The Desire of Ages, chapter 36. Open the book

Talk about it together

  • Trust in God
  • Compassion
  • Hope

A verse to remember

“and said that something should be given her to eat.”

Mark 5:43 · excerptNKJV

  1. What simple need did Jesus remember after the girl got up?
  2. How might the girl’s parents feel when she walked again?
  3. How can a grown-up help you care for someone who has been ill?

Activity · 2–5 minutes

Caring for Small Needs

Imagine someone in the family needing rest after being ill. Name three quiet ways to offer care. Let a grown-up choose what would help: speaking softly, making room, or bringing a safe object the person asks for.

Try it today: Kindness also shows in caring for small needs.

More stories with these values

Recognize emotions

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