Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” (Mk. 5:41 ESV)

It was any parent’s worst nightmare. His little daughter was dying. But Jairus knew a healer was near. He found Jesus and fell at his feet, imploring him to come quickly to her before she died. But Jesus was delayed (by another healing!) and soon others told Jairus not to bother Jesus because his little girl was already dead.

Though Jesus’ timing is not ours, he is always on time. He spoke gently to the grieving father: “Do not fear, only believe.” And he went with him to the little girl. After clearing out the mourners, Jesus led the mother and father and three of his disciples into the room where the child was.

Jesus took her hand in his and spoke to her, “Little girl, arise.” Mark records for us the words spoken by Jesus in Aramaic. These are gentle words, words of affection. If he had spoken in English he might well have said, “Sweetheart, it’s time to get up!” Words any father might use to wake his little girl for school.

And she got up and started walking. Jesus told her astonished parents to get her something to eat (she needed nourishment and they needed something to do).

What gentle words! Words for us. If you belong to Christ, on that great rising day you will feel a hand in yours and hear a gentle voice saying, “Dear one, it’s time to get up!”

–William Price