Luke 8: 40-56 Jairus’ Child

Luke 8: 40-56 Jairus’ Child

When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. And a man named Jairus, an official of the synagogue, came forward. He fell at the feet of Jesus and begged him to come to his house, because he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. As he went, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years, who (had spent her whole livelihood on doctors and) was unable to be cured by anyone, came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. Immediately her bleeding stopped. Jesus then asked, "Who touched me?" While all were denying it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds are pushing and pressing in upon you." But Jesus said, "Someone has touched me; for I know that power has gone out from me." When the woman realized that she had not escaped notice, she came forward trembling. Falling down before him, she explained in the presence of all the people why she had touched him and how she had been healed immediately. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace."

While he was still speaking, someone from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer." On hearing this, Jesus answered him, "Do not be afraid; just have faith and she will be saved." When he arrived at the house he allowed no one to enter with him except Peter and John and James, and the child's father and mother. All were weeping and mourning for her, when he said, "Do not weep any longer, for she is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed him, because they knew that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called to her, "Child, arise!" Her breath returned and she immediately arose. He then directed that she should be given something to eat. Her parents were astounded, and he instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

Jesus has been out in the towns, teaching, performing miracles, healing the sick. The crowds are massive, constantly around him. He is met by a man who is influential in the synagogue who asks him for healing on behalf of his daughter. His position and perhaps prior relationship with Jesus gives him the confidence to appeal to Jesus.

Then we have the unknown woman suffering from hemorrhage. She has three strikes against her: she is unknown, she is female and she is unclean. Only her desperation and her hope/faith drive her to Jesus. She does not approach him directly. Unlike Jairus, she has no power or position or prior relationship with Jesus, only a tremendous need. That need and her faith combined with Jesus power create the miracle. She risks a lot by approaching Jesus - the size and the anger of the crowd at a minimum. But her need and her faith are great and thus a miracle is performed. Jesus tells her that it is her faith that has healed her. How powerful faith in Jesus can be in our lives. What is the condition of my faith? I have always felt that I have the gift of faith. The real question is how do I use it? That is what I am going to think about today.