40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: 42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. 43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, 44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. 49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. 51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. 52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. 53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. 54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. 55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. 56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done. (Luke 8:40-56 KJV)
Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus’s Daughter
Christ was driven away by the Gadarenes—they were tired of him and eager to be rid of him. But when he crossed the water and returned to the Galileans, they gladly welcomed him, having waited for his return (Luke 8:40). If some reject the blessings Christ offers, others will receive them. Though the Gadarenes were not gathered, there were many among whom Christ would be glorified. After finishing his work on the far side of the lake, Christ returned and found new work waiting for him. Those who are willing to do good will never lack opportunity, for “the needy you always have with you” (John 12:8).
Two miracles are interwoven here, as in Matthew and Mark—the raising of Jairus’s daughter and the healing of the woman with a flow of blood, which happened as Jesus was on his way to Jairus’s house.
Jairus, a synagogue leader, publicly approached Jesus on behalf of his dying daughter. Though he held a high position, he fell at Jesus’ feet, recognizing a greater authority. He urgently pleaded for Jesus to come to his house. Unlike the centurion who believed a distant word would heal, Jairus wanted Christ physically present. Jesus agreed to go with him. Strong faith is praised, but even weak faith is not rejected. In homes touched by sickness or death, Christ’s presence is most precious. As Jesus went, the people crowded around him—some curious, others drawn by love.
Amid this, a woman suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years approached Jesus secretly. She had spent all she had on doctors, but none could heal her (Luke 8:43). Her condition made her hesitant to speak publicly, so she came in the crowd, thinking the larger the group, the easier it would be to remain hidden. Her faith was strong—she believed that touching even the edge of his garment would be enough. She was immediately healed (Luke 8:44). Often Christ helps, heals, and saves people unnoticed by the world, yet known to him.
Jesus, aware that healing power had gone out from him, asked who touched him—not as a complaint, but with pleasure (Luke 8:46). It delighted him to do good. He gave freely, like sunlight or water from a fountain. The woman, realizing she was discovered, came trembling and fell before him. She openly confessed what had happened (Luke 8:47). Though afraid, her faith had healed her. Jesus reassured her: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48). What she had quietly received, he publicly confirmed.
While this was happening, someone from Jairus’s house reported that the girl had died and advised Jairus not to bother Jesus further. But Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Luke 8:50). Faith in Christ must be bold. Even after death, Christ can still act. Calling a doctor after death is pointless, but not calling on Christ.
Jesus allowed only Peter, James, John, and the girl’s parents to enter the house (Luke 8:51). The crowd stayed behind. It wasn’t fear of scrutiny—he had raised others publicly—but rather a matter of reverence and order. The mourners were weeping, but Jesus told them, “She is not dead but asleep” (Luke 8:52). He meant she would soon be raised, as if waking from a short rest. This is true for all who die in the Lord: death is sleep, with a promised awakening. Yet the mourners laughed at him, mocking his words. Their scorn only confirmed the reality of her death, making the miracle even clearer. Jesus put them all outside (Luke 8:54). Those who mocked were unworthy to witness his power.
He took the girl by the hand and said, “Child, get up” (Luke 8:55). Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. This shows the soul continues after death—separate from the body and immortal. Death doesn’t extinguish the soul but releases it to God. Where the girl’s soul was during that time we are not told, but it was with the “Father of spirits” (Hebrews 12:9). Jesus told them to give her food. Like newborns, those newly restored crave nourishment—physically and spiritually.
Her parents were astonished (Luke 8:56). If that means only they were amazed, while the others who had mocked remained unmoved, their blindness is remarkable. This may be why Jesus didn’t want it widely published—not only to show humility, but because some hearts were too hard to understand it.