In a world filled with many options, we are used to having choices. Hungry? There are many restaurants to choose from. Need medical care? Many doctors are taking new patients. Banking? There are more than enough choices in the area. But when life really hits hard—when tragedy strikes, when hearts break, when finances fall apart, when medicine fails—those choices quickly fade and become meaningless. There comes a moment for every person when we face the harsh truth: It’s Jesus or nothing.
This was the case for Jairus, a prominent man in Mark chapter 5. He wasn’t poor or powerless— he was a ruler of the synagogue, a man of reputation and religion. Yet all his influence and knowledge meant nothing when his daughter became sick. Desperate and broken, Jairus did something unthinkable for a man of his status—he fell at the feet of Jesus.
That’s what desperation does. It strips away pride. It silences the noise of reputation and brings us face-to-face with our need for a Savior. Jairus didn’t come as a ruler that day—he came as a father. And when his child was dying, he knew Jesus was the only one who could help.
But the story didn’t go smoothly. On the way to Jairus’ home, Jesus stopped to help someone else. Time ticked by. Jairus waited and watched. Then the devastating news arrived: “Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?” (Mark 5:35).
That phrase still echoes in hearts today. Why keep praying when it seems too late? Why keep trusting when nothing changes? Why bother God now?
But Jesus ignored the doubters and turned to Jairus with words that still hold power: “Be not afraid, only believe” (v.36).
What happened next was miraculous. Jesus arrived at the home, sent the scoffers out, took the girl by the hand, and said, “Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.” And she did.
Jairus discovered that day what many still must learn: when it seems like it’s over, when everyone else has given up, when you have no more options— Jesus is still enough. His presence brought life back into what was dead. Not just healing, but resurrection. Not just comfort, but complete restoration.
The truth is, many people today are living like Jairus before the miracle— surrounded by sorrow, overwhelmed by delay, discouraged by others. Maybe it’s not your daughter that’s dying, but maybe your joy is gone. Your peace is buried. Your marriage, your dreams, your walk with God—it all feels beyond repair.
But the message of Mark 5 is clear: It’s never too late when Jesus is involved.
Jesus didn’t just raise a little girl that day. He showed that His power is greater than delay, deeper than doubt and stronger than death. And that same Jesus still lives, still hears, and still answers.
What are you trusting in today? Your resources? Your relationships? Your religion?
When it comes to what really matters—peace in your soul, forgiveness of sin, hope beyond the grave—there is no other name. No other solution.
As Peter once said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). And Jesus Himself declared, “For without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Maybe you’re like Jairus today—at the end of your rope, but finally at the feet of Jesus. Good. That’s where miracles happen. Bring Him your brokenness, your nothing—and you’ll find everything in Him.
Because at the end of the day—it really is Jesus or nothing.
And Jesus is more than enough.
