Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context:James, the son of Zebedee, is one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He is often referred to as James the Greater to distinguish him from James the Less, another of the twelve apostles. James, along with his brother John and Peter, forms the inner circle of Jesus' disciples, witnessing several significant events in Jesus' ministry. One such event is the raising of Jairus' daughter, which is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, and Luke 8:40-56. Event Description: The account of the raising of Jairus' daughter is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority over life and death. Jairus, a synagogue leader, approaches Jesus with a desperate plea to heal his dying daughter. As Jesus agrees to go with him, a large crowd follows. During this journey, a woman suffering from a bleeding condition touches Jesus' garment and is healed, momentarily delaying their progress. Upon arrival at Jairus' house, they are met with the news that the girl has died. Jesus, however, reassures Jairus with the words, "Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed" (Luke 8:50). He allows only Peter, James, and John to accompany Him, along with the girl's parents, into the room where the child lay. Role of James: James' presence at this miracle underscores his position within Jesus' closest circle of disciples. His inclusion, along with Peter and John, highlights the trust and confidence Jesus placed in him. This event is one of the three key moments where James is singled out to witness Jesus' divine power, the others being the Transfiguration and Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Miracle: Inside the room, Jesus takes the girl by the hand and says, "Talitha koum!" which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" (Mark 5:41). Immediately, the girl stands up and begins to walk around, to the astonishment of all present. Jesus instructs them to give her something to eat and orders them not to let anyone know what had happened. Theological Significance: The raising of Jairus' daughter is a testament to Jesus' compassion and His power over death, prefiguring His own resurrection. For James, witnessing this miracle would have been a profound affirmation of Jesus' divine authority and a strengthening of his faith. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in Jesus' power to bring life and hope in seemingly hopeless situations. Implications for the Early Church: As a leader in the early church, James would have drawn upon experiences like the raising of Jairus' daughter to teach and encourage believers. His firsthand witness of Jesus' miracles would have been a powerful testimony to the early Christian community, reinforcing the message of Jesus' victory over death and the promise of eternal life for all who believe. Nave's Topical Index Mark 5:37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. Nave's Topical Index Luke 8:51 Library The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ... Jesus Heals a Little Girl The Raising of the Dead. Illustrations Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] Of the Section Where it is Recorded, that Being Moved with ... The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Index i. Of Subjects Talitha Cumi Resources Who was James, the brother of Jesus, in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to count it all joy (James 1:2)? | GotQuestions.org What is the Modern King James Version (MKJV)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him) in Gethsemane James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): At the Great Catch of Fish James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): At the Transfiguration of Jesus James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): Bigotry of James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): Civil Ambitions of James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): Martyred James: An Apostle: Addresses the Gathering at Jerusalem in Favor of Liberty for the Gentile Converts James: An Apostle: Brother of Jesus James: An Apostle: Disciples Sent By, to Antioch James: An Apostle: Hears of the Success Attending Paul's Ministry James: An Apostle: Son of Alphaeus James: An Apostle: The Brother of Joses James: An Apostle: The Brother of Judas James: An Apostle: Witness of Christ's Resurrection James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome: Brother of John and a Fisherman James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome: Called to be an Apostle James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome: Surnamed Boanerges by Jesus James: Asks Jesus Concerning his Second Coming James: At the Healing of Peter's Mother-In-Law James: At the Raising of the Daughter of Jairus James: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Revealed Himself to the Disciples After his Resurrection Related Terms |