“While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’ And Jesus, overhearing what was said, said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’” Mark 5:35-36
As the narrative unfolds, we can’t help but wonder about Jairus. The text doesn’t elaborate, but we can imagine his anxious anticipation. Here, Mark shifts our focus to highlight another aspect of faith: Jesus is worthy of a faith that is singular.
Worthy Of Singular Faith
When messengers arrive with the news of his daughter’s death, Jairus’s worst fears are realized. Despite the tragic turn of events, Jesus disregards the discouraging words of the messengers and encourages Jairus to maintain his faith. In a poignant moment, Jesus emphasizes, “Do not fear, only believe.” This unique instance in Mark’s gospel underscores the exclusivity and intensity of true faith. It’s not about adding other options or devising backup plans. Jesus demands our unwavering trust—all our eggs in one basket. This is faith alone.
Singular faith is characterized by a complete and patient dependence on Jesus. It doesn’t entertain alternatives or distractions. There is no Jesus *plus* in Christianity. Like Jairus, we’re called to place all our trust in Jesus, alone, irrespective of circumstances or timing. It’s a commitment that transcends the present moment, rooted in a steadfast belief in Jesus’ sovereignty and power.
The Sovereignty Of Jesus
So why do we trust Jesus alone? This episode reaffirms Jesus’ control over every situation. His calm demeanor amidst chaos underscores His sovereign authority. Imagine the temptation for Jairus to give up hope after being told that his daughter was already dead. And imagine the temptation to even be mad at the woman who stopped Jesus (or even mad at Jesus himself) for interrupting the rescue mission. But true faith in Jesus is absolute because Jesus knows what He is doing. He alone is worthy of our complete trust, devoid of backup plans or reservations. Anything less than total trust in Jesus is, in essence, a lack of trust altogether. But knowing that He is in control gives us utmost peace and assurance.
Competing Voices
In our lives, we face competing voices vying for our trust. We’re tempted to doubt Jesus’ timing, His power, and His compassion. Yet, amidst the clamor, Jesus’ voice pierces through, urging us to trust Him alone. Let’s heed His call to singular faith, forsaking all other dependencies and clinging solely to Him. Right now, Jesus is looking us directly in the face and saying, “Do not fear, only believe.”
