Mark 5:42

Immediately the girl got up and began to walk around. She was twelve years old, and at once they were utterly astounded.

Study Bible

Immediately
The use of the word "immediately" in Mark 5:42 underscores the suddenness and miraculous nature of the event. In the Greek, the word is "εὐθύς" (euthys), which is often used in the Gospel of Mark to convey a sense of urgency and divine action. This immediacy highlights the power and authority of Jesus, who can bring about instantaneous change and healing. It serves as a reminder of the divine nature of Christ and His ability to transcend natural laws, offering hope and assurance to believers that God can act swiftly in their lives.

the girl
The phrase "the girl" refers to the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader. In the cultural and historical context of the time, children, especially girls, were often seen as less significant in society. However, Jesus' attention to her needs and His willingness to perform a miracle for her emphasizes the value He places on every individual, regardless of age or gender. This act of compassion reflects the inclusive nature of the Gospel, where all are precious in the sight of God.

got up
The phrase "got up" is translated from the Greek word "ἀνέστη" (anestē), which means to rise or stand up. This word is often associated with resurrection and new life in the New Testament. The girl's rising is a physical manifestation of Jesus' power over death, prefiguring His own resurrection. It symbolizes the new life that Christ offers to all who believe in Him, a life that conquers death and brings eternal hope.

and began to walk around
The action of the girl walking around signifies her complete restoration to health. In the Jewish culture, walking was a sign of life and vitality. This detail assures the witnesses of the miracle's authenticity and completeness. It also serves as a metaphor for the Christian walk of faith, where believers are called to live out their new life in Christ actively and visibly, demonstrating the transformative power of Jesus in their daily lives.

She was twelve years old
The mention of her age, "twelve years old," is significant in the Jewish tradition, as it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. This detail not only provides historical context but also highlights the importance of this miracle at a pivotal moment in her life. Spiritually, it can be seen as a reminder that God is present and active in all stages of life, guiding and nurturing His children as they grow in faith and maturity.

And at this they were completely astonished
The reaction of those present, being "completely astonished," reflects the awe and wonder that accompany the works of God. The Greek word "ἐξέστησαν" (exestēsan) conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or amazed beyond measure. This response is a natural human reaction to witnessing the divine in action. It serves as an invitation for believers to maintain a sense of wonder and reverence for God's miraculous works in their own lives, recognizing His power and grace with gratitude and praise.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
- The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one who performs the miracle of raising the girl from the dead, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion.

2. The Girl
- The twelve-year-old daughter of Jairus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus. Her age is significant, symbolizing the transition from childhood to maturity.

3. Jairus
- A synagogue leader who sought Jesus' help for his dying daughter, demonstrating faith and desperation.

4. The House of Jairus
- The setting of this miracle, representing a place of mourning that was transformed into a place of joy and astonishment.

5. The Crowd
- Those who were present and witnessed the miracle, their astonishment highlights the power and authority of Jesus.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
Jairus' approach to Jesus in desperation and faith is a model for how we should bring our needs to Christ, trusting in His power and compassion.

Jesus' Authority Over Death
This miracle underscores Jesus' divine authority, reminding us that He has power over life and death, offering hope in the face of mortality.

The Role of Witnesses
The astonishment of the witnesses serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing our testimonies of God's work in our lives to inspire faith in others.

Transformation from Mourning to Joy
Just as the house of Jairus was transformed, Jesus can turn our deepest sorrows into joy through His intervention.

The Significance of Twelve
The girl's age, twelve, often symbolizes completeness or maturity in the Bible, suggesting a new beginning or a transition into a new phase of life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jairus' approach to Jesus demonstrate faith, and how can we apply this in our own lives when facing desperate situations?

2. In what ways does this miracle of raising the girl from the dead reinforce Jesus' authority and identity? How does this impact our understanding of His power in our lives today?

3. Consider the reaction of the crowd. How can we be effective witnesses to the work of Jesus in our lives, and why is this important?

4. Reflect on a time when Jesus transformed a situation of mourning into joy in your life. How can this experience encourage others?

5. What is the significance of the girl's age being mentioned, and how does this detail contribute to the overall message of the passage? How can we relate this to our spiritual growth and maturity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Luke 8:49-56
and Matthew 9:23-26
also recount the account of Jairus' daughter, providing additional details and perspectives on the event.

John 11:1-44
describes the raising of Lazarus, another instance where Jesus demonstrates His power over death, reinforcing His identity as the resurrection and the life.

Acts 9:36-42
tells of Peter raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead, showing the continuation of Jesus' miraculous power through His apostles.