How does this miracle connect to Old Testament resurrection accounts?

◄ How does this link to OT resurrections? ►

A Glimpse of Glory: Mark 5 : 42

“Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old), and at once they were utterly astonished.”

• The verb “stood up” translates the same root used of physical resurrection elsewhere in the New Testament.

• “Immediately” highlights effortless authority—no ritual, no delay.

• The crowd’s “utter astonishment” mirrors witnesses in earlier Scripture who saw life return where death had held sway.

Echoes from the Days of Elijah and Elisha

1 Kings 17 : 22 — “And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child's life returned to him, and he lived.”

2 Kings 4 : 35 — “The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.”

2 Kings 13 : 21 — “When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man was revived and stood up on his feet.”

Points of Continuity

• Same God, same life-giving power.

• Each account involves a beloved child restored to grieving parents—Jairus’s only daughter, the widow’s only son, the Shunammite’s promised son.

• Witnesses respond with awe, testifying to the reality of resurrection long before Calvary’s empty tomb.

Points of Contrast and Fulfillment

" Old Testament " Mark 5 "

"—"—"

" Prophets pray and stretch themselves over the corpse. " Jesus speaks two Aramaic words: “Talitha koum!” (v. 41). "

" Resurrection happens through petition; power mediated. " Resurrection happens by direct command; power inherent. "

" Prophets rely on the LORD who hears. " Jesus is the LORD who speaks. "

" Single-location miracles foreshadow hope for Israel. " Miracle previews a universal victory over death soon to be displayed in His own rising. "

Threaded Themes Across Scripture

• Compassion: 1 Kings 17 : 20–21; 2 Kings 4 : 33; Mark 5 : 36 — God’s heart breaks before death’s sting.

• Faith: Elijah, Elisha, Jairus all trust the Word despite hopeless reports.

• Covenant continuity: The God who kept Israel is the God revealed in Christ, unchanged in purpose or power.

Living Truths for Today

• The miracle at Jairus’s house completes the picture begun with Elijah and Elisha: death cannot resist the Word of God.

• Old Testament resurrections were previews; Jesus is the main event, guaranteeing our own future rising (1 Corinthians 15 : 20).

• Scripture presents one seamless story—every earlier resurrection whispers, “He is coming.” Mark 5 shouts, “He is here.”