When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.’ So he went with him. (Mark 5: 21-24)

Is there an occasion when Jesus does not do what he is asked directly to do?

I can think of discussions that dissuade the one making the request, as when James and John sought pride of place with Jesus. (Matthew 20).

There are also occasions when Jesus seems disinclined but is persuaded, as with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4).

There are times when Jesus is delayed. This is about to happen in this story. It happens later with Lazarus. But the delay does not seemingly change the outcome.

It is worth further study. But it would seem that when - as with the father here - the request is made in faith, hope, and love Jesus does as he is asked.

Above is Asking for Rain by Christine Healy.