“Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” (Mk 5:35). To Jairus, a synagogue ruler, the words are like arrows piercing the little hope he hung on. Jesus put the guy and his desperate call on hold while lending Himself to another on the way. The emergency call hung up. His earnest (“pleaded earnestly”), humble (“fell at his feet”) & desperate (“please come and put your hands”) request expired on the go.

The people who broke the news were ready for the burial. And Jesus wasn’t needed there. Fortunately however The Lord who was still with the man had differing views: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” One reality, two opposing statements. And the father chose the tougher of the two. He heard both, but stood on the words of Jesus. He survived the scare & saw his request granted.