Unveiled: Jairus—A Father’s Courage and the Power of Unconventional Love
- Kia Palmer
- Sep 20
- 5 min read
Jairus—A Father’s Courage and the Power of Unconventional Love in the Gospels
Jairus’s story is found in the Gospels (Mark 5:21–43, Luke 8:40–56, Matthew 9:18–26). He is not a prophet or a king, nor does he perform miracles himself. Jairus is a father—a synagogue leader, a man of standing in his community, but also a man whose world is falling apart. His beloved daughter, just twelve years old, is dying.
In a society where men, especially leaders, were expected to maintain composure and dignity, Jairus does the unthinkable. He pushes through a crowd and throws himself at the feet of Jesus, pleading for his daughter’s life. His position, his pride, and even his reputation are set aside by the urgency of a father’s love.
The Unlikely Influencer: Why Jairus Matters
Jairus’s story is often overshadowed by the miracles that happen around it—Jesus healing the woman with the issue of blood, and the resurrection of his daughter. But if we pause and look closely, we see a man whose desperate love for his child drove him to radical faith.
He could have sent a servant. He could have waited. He could have tried to keep his crisis private. But Jairus took a risk—he made his pain public, sought out Jesus, and begged for help. In doing so, he became an unlikely influencer, not just for his daughter, but for every man who has ever loved a child deeply.
The Power of a Father’s Love
Jairus’s actions teach us that a father’s love is powerful, courageous, and sometimes unconventional. It’s a love that crosses boundaries, breaks traditions, and risks everything for the sake of a child. Whether you are a biological father, a stepfather, a mentor, an uncle, or a coach, your influence in the life of a young person is profound.
Sometimes, that influence means showing up when it’s hard. Sometimes, it means seeking help, admitting you don’t have all the answers, and doing things that go against the grain of what’s expected. Jairus’s willingness to humble himself before Jesus, in front of a crowd, is a testament to the lengths a loving man will go for a child in need.
Influence Beyond Biology
Jairus’s story isn’t just for biological fathers. It’s for every man who has ever invested in the life of a child or youth—whether or not they share your last name or your DNA. You might be a mentor, a teacher, a pastor, a neighbor. Your presence, your prayers, your willingness to stand in the gap can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
In today’s world, so many children and youth are longing for the guidance, affirmation, and love of a father figure. Some men may feel disqualified—maybe you haven’t always made the right choices, or maybe circumstances have kept you from being as involved as you want to be. Jairus’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to reach out, to act in love, and to seek God’s help for the children in your life.
Courage in the Face of Obstacles
Jairus’s journey to Jesus wasn’t easy. The crowd was pressing in. The woman with the issue of blood interrupted. The news came that his daughter had died. People told him not to bother Jesus anymore. But Jesus looked at Jairus and said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed” (Luke 8:50).
How many fathers, mentors, or men trying to be present in a child’s life have faced obstacles? Maybe the courts, broken relationships, past mistakes, or even their own doubts stand between them and the children they love. Jairus’s faith didn’t remove the obstacles—but it kept him moving forward. He trusted Jesus with his most precious relationship, even when hope seemed lost.
The Impact of Unconventional Love
When Jesus arrived at Jairus’s house, the mourners laughed at Him. The situation looked hopeless. But Jesus took the child by the hand and spoke life into her. “My child, get up!” (Luke 8:54). She rose, and her parents were astonished.
Jairus’s decision to seek Jesus, to act on his belief, and to persevere in love brought resurrection—not just to his daughter, but to his own faith and to the faith of everyone who witnessed the miracle.
Encouragement for Men and Mothers
Maybe you’re a man who wants to be present in your child’s life but faces obstacles—distance, legal issues, strained relationships, or your own past. Maybe you’re a mentor, longing to make a difference for a young person who isn’t yours by blood, but is yours by love. Or maybe you’re a mother who has lost a child—physically, emotionally, or relationally—and you’re praying for restoration.
Jairus’s story is for you. It’s a call to courageous, persistent, unconventional love. It’s a reminder that your faith, your willingness to seek Jesus, and your refusal to give up can open the door for miracles.
God honors the heart that seeks Him for the sake of a child. Your prayers, your presence, your perseverance—they matter more than you know.
Reflection: Who Needs Your Love Today?
Is there a child or youth in your life who needs your encouragement, your prayers, your presence?
Are there obstacles that seem insurmountable? What would it look like to bring those to Jesus?
Are you willing to risk your pride, your comfort, or your reputation for the sake of love?
If you’re a mother longing for restoration, can you trust Jesus to bring life where there’s been loss?
A Prayer for Fathers, Mentors, and Mothers
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the example of Jairus, for the courage and love he showed in seeking You for his daughter. Thank You for every man and woman who longs to make a difference in the life of a child—whether they are fathers, mentors, mothers, or friends.
Lord, we lift up every father who faces obstacles—distance, broken relationships, past mistakes, or fear. Give them the courage to press through the crowd, to humble themselves before You, and to believe that You can restore what’s been lost.
We pray for mentors and father figures, that You would use their influence to speak life, hope, and faith into the next generation. Give them wisdom, patience, and perseverance.
We pray for mothers who have lost children or are separated from them. Bring comfort, healing, and restoration. Remind them that You see their pain, You hear their prayers, and You are able to bring life to places that seem hopeless.
Lord, help all of us to love with courage—to act on our belief, to seek You first, and to trust You with the children and youth in our lives. May our faith open the door for Your miracles. May our love reflect Your heart.
We surrender our relationships, our hopes, and our fears to You. Use us as instruments of Your love, and let our lives be a testimony to Your power to restore, redeem, and resurrect.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Your love, your prayers, your presence—they matter. No obstacle is too great for God’s restoring power. Keep believing, keep loving, and trust that Jesus can bring new life to every relationship you entrust to Him.
If you’re struggling to be present, longing for restoration, or seeking hope, know that you are not alone. God sees you, loves you, and honors your courage. Your influence can change a life—sometimes in ways you can’t even imagine.
FAQ:
Q: What does Jairus—a father’s courage and the power of unconventional love teach about faith?
A: Jairus—a father’s courage and the power of unconventional love shows that faith, humility, and persistence can overcome obstacles and open the door for miracles in our families and communities.
Q: How can Jairus’s story inspire fathers and mentors today?
A: Jairus’s story inspires fathers, mentors, and anyone called to love by showing that seeking Jesus and acting in courageous love can bring restoration and hope, even in desperate times.
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