Women in the Life of Jesus: Jairus' Wife

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

Setting: Galilee


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’s house 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. Then 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


Wow. Most of the time when talking about this story we get the perspective of Jairus, because he is the one who sought Jesus out. But let's think about his wife for a moment shall we.

First, she was a synagogue leader's wife. I am not sure what her responsibilities would have been, but she would have been well known in the community. She was also a mother, but we are never given her name.

Second, she was left at home with the daughter. I am sure she couldn't and wouldn't leave her. It's hard for me to leave my kids period. For her, I bet even more so because her daughter was very sick.

Third, she must have been in agreement with her husband to have faith in Jesus. When Jesus arrived at their house, the only people he took in the room were the ones in faith, Peter, James, John, and Jairus and his wife. Everybody else got pushed out. Why?

Because they needed an atmosphere of faith and the people laughing at Jesus were not providing it. Sometimes you've just gotta push people out if you need something from God and they are creating an atmosphere of unbelief.

The Bible still says "they were overcome with great amazement." And then Jesus tells them not to tell anybody. I have often wondered why Jesus said that. That is something I still want to understand. This account is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Matthew says that "the report of this went out into all the land." I cannot imagine Jairus and his wife would not follow Jesus' instructions. I can only think it was one of those people or several that were put out and had seen her condition before and after.

I can only imagine how the woman must have felt in those moments, going from overwhelming sadness, then hope, and faith, relief, and joy. I think all mothers cycle through those emotions with their children at one point or other. But our miracle lies in resting our faith and in THE SOURCE of all healing, Jesus.





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