Miracles
The Daughter of Jairus
Jesus had been in the region of Gerasenes and sailed back across the lake where a crowd welcomed him. Soon he heard the moving request 'please come.'
This is the story of Jairus and his daughter. It can be found in:
Luke chapter 8 verses 40 to 56.
Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue, one of a board of elders appointed to maintain good order in the meetings. Imagine the reaction of the crowd, when this man holding a high position and highly respected, fell to the feet of Jesus pleading with him to come to his house where his daughter lay dying. Jairus had obviously heard about Jesus and had probably seen some of the miracles Jesus had performed. He now finds himself in a similar position, desperate, because his only daughter just twelve years old was very sick.
On the way Jesus was delayed by a lady who had been ill for twelve years and she herself was hoping for a miracle, the lady had faith in Jesus and was healed. Jairus must have been very anxious for Jesus to move on, but someone came from his house with the news that, 'it is too late your daughter is dead, don't bother the teacher anymore.' In other words, what is the use of asking for a doctor when the patient is already dead? All hope had now gone, the messenger and those with him had no faith in Jesus' power over death. For them it was the end.
When Jesus heard this he knew how Jairus was feeling and with love and compassion turned and said to him "don't be afraid, just believe, and she will be healed." What a statement! Can Jairus really pull out all his faith and put it into action? He must by faith truly believe and not doubt the promise made by Jesus that his daughter will be healed.
When Jesus reached the house he was greeted by many people weeping and mourning the death of this well loved youngster. Maybe because she was the child of a very important person they wept louder. Jesus commanded them to stop and told them she was not dead but sleeping. Consequently what they were doing was out of place. It was quite feasible that they laughed at him, but everyone knew she was dead, what could Jesus possibly do now?
Peter, James and John together with the girl's parents went with Jesus into the house. Jesus took the girl by the hand and said "my child get up" her spirit returned and she stood up. Jesus then told her parents to give her something to eat. He had triumphed over death but now cares about her physical needs. Her parents were absolutely amazed and truly thankful that their daughter had been fully restored. The difference Jesus made to that family was wonderful; because of their faith he turned their tears of sadness into tears of joy.
When things go wrong and life seems so bad, we too can turn to Jesus. 'What is impossible with men is possible with God' Luke 18 verse 27. Jesus can make a huge difference in our lives too. We can put our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and have new life in him.