“As he was saying these things, a leader came, bowed low before him, and said, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and she will live.’ Jesus and his disciples got up and followed him. … When Jesus entered the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the disorderly crowd, he said, ‘Go away, for the girl is not dead but asleep!’ And they began making fun of him. But when the crowd had been forced outside, he went in and gently took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the news of this spread throughout that region.” —Matthew 9:18–19, 23–26
In these verses, we experience Jesus the Healer. Jairus, the synagogue ruler whose daughter had just died, and the woman with the issue of blood, both humbly approach the Master, hopeful in the God of all hope to heal. Both of the situations of these two supplicants were completely beyond the powers of nature. And yet, they were both well within the power of Jesus.
It is interesting that the age of Jairus’ daughter and the woman’s duration of hemorrhaging had both been twelve years. In reading the other gospel accounts of this same passage, one can clearly see the hopelessness of both situations. However, those not possessing the hope of nature can possess the hope of Jesus! As I read these accounts of suffering, I am reminded of Paul’s words:
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13
This passage begins with Jairus approaching Jesus, kneeling before Him, humbly requesting Jesus to come to heal his son. This incident, I’m sure, had shattered his family, and had sent this ruler straight to the Shepherd who ever-lovingly tends His sheep. All things in our life should drive us to the feet of Jesus! We see here that the Savior’s job description not only included preaching the truth, but producing the good work of healing and binding up the brokenhearted as well. We discover in Isaiah:
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has chosen me. He has commissioned me to encourage the poor, to help the brokenhearted, to decree the release of captives, and the freeing of prisoners, to announce the year when the LORD will show his favor, the day when our God will seek vengeance, to console all who mourn.” —Isaiah 61:1–2
Agreeing to the ruler’s request, Jesus begins His journey to Jairus’ home. Jesus’ readiness to help this man is evident as He immediately rises and goes with him, not only willing to grant his request but even being willing to go to his home to fulfill it. Those who seek Jesus never seek Him in vain!
The mourners had already gathered. Many had come together to grieve the loss and comfort the parents in their distress. Jesus rebukes the noisy crowd with His words, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but asleep!” He is unconcerned by their mocking, and leaving the crowds outside, Jesus goes in and does what only He can do; immediately raising the child to life again with but a word. She was dead to the world but alive to Christ who knew what He would and could do. Amazing!
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Jesus is the Help of the helpless, the Hope of the hopeless. Hold on tightly to Him!
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“God’s mercy is vast and beyond our comprehension. He will never reject anyone who turns to Him for mercy. Nor will He force Himself on anyone who chooses to live without Him.” —Michael Youssef
“God alone knows the depth and riches of His Godhead, and divine wisdom alone can declare His secrets.” —Thomas Aquinas