When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 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, 42 because he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. As he went, the crowds almost crushed him.
49 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.” 50 On hearing this, Jesus answered him, “Do not be afraid; just have faith and she will be saved.” 51 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. 52 All were weeping and mourning for her, when he said, “Do not weep any longer, for she is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they ridiculed him, because they knew that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and called to her, “Child, arise!” 55 Her breath returned and she immediately arose. He then directed that she should be given something to eat. 56 Her parents were astounded, and he instructed them to tell no one what had happened.
Jesus was welcomed by a large crowd when he returned to the region of Galilee after being asked to leave the territory of the Gerasenes. Jesus was growing in popularity because of his teachings and miracles. Jairus was a Synagogue leader and a man of considerable social standing within the Jewish community. He humbled himself in deference to Jesus and begged him to save his dying daughter who was his only child. Jairus, a respected Jewish religious leader, recognized Jesus' authority and power. His daughter was 12 years old and in ancient times she would have been of marriageable age. Jesus’ reputation as a healer and miracle worker had permeated all layers of society, encompassing even the religious leadership, many of whom frequently dismissed his teachings and reacted with hostility to his miraculous acts.
While Jesus was speaking to the woman with a hemorrhage who had just been healed by touching his cloak (Lk. 8:43-48), a message came from Jairus’ house that his daughter had died which meant that he no longer needed the healer’s help. Jesus encouraged Jairus not to fear but to keep his faith even under the circumstances. When Jesus arrived at Jairus’ house he only allowed his closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, along with the girl’s parents to enter the house with him. Jesus told the mourners that the girl was not dead but sleeping and they ridiculed him because they were certain the girl had died. Jesus took the girl by the hand and commanded her to arise. The girl’s spirit returned and she was miraculously restored to her previous life. She made an immediate and complete recovery as affirmed by Jesus' command to give her something to eat. Jesus instructed her parents not to tell anyone about the miraculous event.
Merciful and gracious God, teach us to trust in you like children and grant us the faith to see beyond what appears through our worldly eyes to be impossible or final. May we see our trials as a way to rely on you more deeply and may we receive your mercy, love, and healing in moments of despair. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
__________________________________
Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
Comments