What does Matthew 9:24 mean?
Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, has suffered what appears to be a great loss. His only daughter, about 12 years old, has died. Either before or after she died, Jairus went and found Jesus and asked Him to come and lay His hands on the girl and make her well. Jesus agreed (Matthew 9:18–19; Mark 5:21–24).Stepping into Jairus's home, however, it appears to most that Jesus is too late to do anything. The professional mourners have already arrived. They are playing flutes and making a loud commotion, likely the common ritual of loud wailing which represented the grieving of friends and family. Everyone believes the girl to be dead.
Jesus now commands them to leave. He tells them the girl is not, in fact, dead. She is only sleeping. The professional mourners laugh at Jesus, revealing their loud sadness is only a performance and showing their unbelief. Perhaps they knew Jesus as a healer. This time, they were sure, He was too late. Of course, He was right on time.
