Women in the Life of Jesus: Jairus' Daughter

Scriptures where she can be found: Matthew 9, Mark 5, Luke 8

Setting: Galilee

Her story:

Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea.  And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet  and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.”  So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.

 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’shouse who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”  And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.  hen He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”

 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.  Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.  But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

 -Mark 5:21-24; 35-43

My thoughts:

I have been writing about women in the Life of Jesus. And Jairus' daughter  is not a woman, but a little girl, which is part of what I want to talk about.

There are some very important things to point out about this passage of scripture. Jairus' daughter was one of 3 people mentioned in scripture that Jesus raised from the dead. Two of them Jesus initiated the healing, but this one was different.

In this miracle, the parents initiated it. Jairus was a synagogue leader, so he knew about the things of God (we hope). But they sought out Jesus even though he was not always looked favorably upon. They believed in Jesus and his ability to heal their daughter, even though they were risking themselves. 

Does that mean we, as parents, can believe for Jesus to heal our children?  Most emphatically, YES!

In the story of the man born blind, the parents wouldn't acknowledge Jesus, because the religious leaders said anyone who did would be put out of the synagogue. So Jairus and his wife were taking a risk.

But Jairus comes to Jesus anyway, in faith. When he reaches Jesus, his little girl is still alive. But on their way there, messengers come bringing news she has died. So Jesus has to redirect Jairus thoughts and heart, so he wouldn't move or lose that faith. He tells him to not be afraid but ONLY BELIEVE. 

When they arrive, Jesus puts everyone out but the mother, father, and Peter, James, and John. Jesus did what would help the parents and the little girl. I am sure the atmosphere was one of faith.

When Jesus takes her hand, he says, "Little girl, Arise." I think it is important that he acknowledges her as a little girl.  Our culture has blurred the lines between the age of children and adults. To Jesus, a 12 year old girl is still a child. It is important we take notice of that mention.

After He raises her from the dead, he tells her mom and dead to give her something to eat. Physical nourishment is important for the body. 

The girl wasn't a woman yet, but she was going to be one day. Jesus thought her life important, but it is important to notice he was moved by the parent's faith. I wonder what she grew up to be and what her life was like. Did she have children of her own?  What did she tell her children about her encounter with Jesus? It's important what you hear about Jesus. If you hear the right thing, you will come to him in faith.

 

 To read more posts in this series, go here to Women in the Life of Jesus.