Luke 8:40-56
Q.1. Who was Jairus? How did he approach Jesus? Why was he so desperate? What does the story teach us about delays? – (Lk.8:40-42 & 49-50)
The crowds were waiting for Jesus upon His return (Lk.8:40). Though Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue, he was humble enough to prostrate himself before Jesus, begging for help. He was desperate because his twelve-year-old daughter was close to death (Lk.8:41-42). He had travelled a long distance to find Jesus. Their journey back to the sick daughter was slowed by the crowds and a sick woman, whom Jesus healed. (Lk.8;43-48). Jairus’s servants met them and brought news of the little girl’s death. (Lk.8:49). From a human standpoint, the delay was utterly tragic. By the time Jesus and Jairus reached the home, many mourners had already gathered to express their grief (Lk.8:52). (Lk.8:43-48). We should never overlook the sovereign control and timing of the Master, Who assured Jairus – Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be saved (Lk.8:50).
Q.2. How did Jesus know that the woman with the haemorrhage had touched Him? What was Peter’s response? Why was it important for the woman to acknowledge the healing? – (Lk.8:43-48)
Luke recorded that – a woman … who had a haemorrhage for twelve years … touched the hem of His cloak, and immediately the bleeding stopped (Lk.8:43-44). When Jesus asked who it was who had touched Him, Peter was incredulous. After all, people were crowding and touching Him day after day. (c.f. Mark 3:10). However, Jesus knew that someone had touched Him in a special faith way – for I was aware that power had gone out of Me (Lk.8:46). This is a precious truth about our God. Though no one else may be aware when we are reaching out to Him, Jesus is always sensitive to those who are coming to Him in faith. When she knew that she was the one Jesus was speaking of, the timid and shunned woman identified herself. She described her frustrating medical problem that none had been able to heal, though she had spent all her money on a cure (Lk.8:47 c.f. Mk. 5:25-26). For her to testify concerning the miracle, was important for her and to the people (Lk.8:48).
Q.3. How do we know that the daughter of Jairus had died? Did Jesus show compassion toward the family? What does this miracle reveal about Jesus? – (Lk.8:49-56)
Jairus was told that his daughter was dead (Lk.8:49). However, Jesus urged the father not to give up hope (Lk.8:50). Jairus must have had mixed feelings as he took the long journey home with Jesus. They were greeted with a noisy group of mourners, but Jesus told them – Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep (Lk.8:52). The family and friends responded – laughing at Him, knowing that she had died (Lk.8:53). Jesus then took Jairus and the three apostles, Peter, James, and John, into the room (Lk.8:51). He came to the twelve-year-old, took her by the hand, and called out – Child, arise! (Lk.8:54 c.f. Acts 9:40). Luke reported that – her spirit returned and she got up immediately; and He gave orders for something to be given her to eat (Lk.8:55). This miracle demonstrated that Jesus has power over death (c.f. Jn.5:21-25) and revealed how tenderly Jesus deals with the broken-hearted and bereaved.