1. Responding to fear with faith (49-50)

Before Jesus finished his conversation, someone came and told Jairus that his daughter had died. While the girl was alive, there was a glimmer of hope. But when she was dead, there was no point in bothering Jesus. All earthly hope died with Jairus' daughter. Yet Jesus told Jairus not to be afraid, to believe in him and experience a miracle. When fear and death come, we, too, must hear Jesus' word, "Don't be afraid; just believe." How will you respond in the face of hopelessness and fear?

2. "My child, get up!" (51-56)

Jairus evidently believed for he continued with Jesus back to his home. The wailing and mourning created an atmosphere of death and unbelief. Jesus said the girl was asleep. People laughed. Jesus took his top disciples and the dead girl's parents into the room. He took the girl's hand and said, "My child, get up!" The girl came back to life! Jesus is stronger than death. No matter how dark and difficult our circumstances, let us overcome fear by believing in Jesus.