Jairus' Daughter

But when the crowd had been sent out, He entered and took her by the hand, and the girl got up (Matthew 9:25).

Word was spreading about Jesus. Those who had seen the miracles of Jesus told others. Then those people told others, and so on. There had not been a prophet in Israel for 400 years, so the Jews were not used to seeing miracles. The teaching of Jesus accompanied by miracles excited the people.

Many of the Rabbis did not follow Jesus. In fact they hated Him because His doctrine was different from what they taught. Jairus (Ee-ah-ear-oos) was different. He was leader of the local synagogue (Jewish church) in Capernaum, was responsible for taking care of the building, and chose the people who would participate in the services. He was a well-known, respected, and important Jewish leader, but now he was helpless. His 12-year-old daughter was dying.

Jesus had demonstrated His divine power before. Jairus went to Jesus, because he was sure Jesus had power over sickness. Even though he was an important man, Jairus was not ashamed to ask Jesus for help. He didn’t care if people scorned him.

Jesus, filled with compassion, immediately left with Jairus. Finding out on the way that the daughter had died, Jesus was not deterred. When Jesus saw the mourners outside Jairus’ house, He said, the girl has not died, but is asleep. It is the same words Jesus spoke to His disciples upon hearing the death of His friend Lazarus (see John 11:1-14). The mourners laughed and mocked Jesus. Undeterred, He went in to the room where the girl lay, Jesus took the girl by the hand, and raised her to life again.

Jesus is gracious, merciful, and compassionate. He knows and feels the pain and suffering we feel in this life because He experienced them Himself. That makes Him our perfect High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-10). We should never be afraid to bring our needs to Him (Hebrews 4:14-16). He cares for us and longs to help us because that’s what a High Priest does.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and compassion toward me. You have ministered to me in many manifold ways with my health, saving me countless times from health issues that would have hindered my work in Your kingdom. Your grace, mercy, and love toward me is beyond measure and I will be forever grateful to You. Amen.”

Pastor