18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. 19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.
20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
23 And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, 24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. 25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. (Matthew 9:18-26 KJV)
A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed
We have here two passages of history put together: the raising of Jairus’s daughter to life and the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, which occurred as Jesus was on his way to Jairus’s house. Jesus’ miracles were numerous and interwoven, as he constantly did the work of the One who sent him. While he was speaking to the Pharisees, answering their objections, this new request interrupted him, providing a welcome change from dispute to a work of devotion and charity.
A certain ruler of the synagogue came and worshiped him. Some among the rulers did believe in Christ, though they were few (John 12:42). This ruler’s little daughter, about twelve years old (Luke 8:42), had just died, and in his distress, he turned to Jesus. In trouble, we should seek God (Psalm 50:15); the death of loved ones should lead us to Christ, who is our life (Colossians 3:4). The ruler’s humility is evident—he came himself rather than sending a servant. Even the greatest should not think it beneath them to personally seek Jesus. He came to kneel before Christ and give him all due respect—those who seek God’s mercy must also honor him (Hebrews 11:6).
The ruler’s faith was remarkable. He acknowledged that his daughter was dead, yet still believed Christ could restore her. No human physician could help after death, but Christ is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). The man was confident that if Jesus laid his hand on her, she would live. While Christ now works through ordinary means, and we do not expect such miracles, in his earthly ministry, such faith was commendable.
Jesus immediately arose and followed him, leaving his previous company. He not only granted the request to raise the girl but honored the father’s desire for him to come personally. He once declined to go with a nobleman (John 4:46-50) but went with this synagogue ruler, showing that Christ varies his methods according to the faith of those who approach him. His disciples followed, not for display but as witnesses of his power, so they could later testify to his works.
On the way, a woman with a long-term issue of blood came to him. She had suffered for twelve years (Luke 8:43), growing weaker and spending all her resources on doctors without relief (Mark 5:26). Her condition affected her health and rendered her ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27), preventing her from participating in public worship. Yet, she was not cut off from Christ. Her faith was great; she believed that merely touching the hem of his garment would heal her. She approached in secret, but her faith in his power was firm, and upon touching Jesus’ garment, she was healed (Mark 5:27-29).
Christ responded to her action with great kindness. Though she hoped to receive her healing unnoticed, he made sure she was acknowledged and comforted. He called her “Daughter” and told her to be of good comfort (Matthew 9:22). She may have feared being rebuked for her secret approach, but instead, he reassured her. Believers, especially those burdened with sorrow, are Christ’s spiritual children, and he comforts them (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). He declared that her faith had made her whole, emphasizing that her healing was not just a physical blessing but also a spiritual one. Christ honors faith more than any other grace, and humble faith receives special recognition.
When Jesus arrived at the ruler’s house, he found a scene of noisy mourning, with people wailing and musicians playing sorrowful tunes (Matthew 9:23). Death brings great turmoil, and many gather to grieve and prepare for burial. However, their sorrow lacked true hope, for they mourned as those without faith (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Christ rebuked the commotion, saying, “Give place.” Those overwhelmed with worldly grief often struggle to receive Christ’s comfort.
Then he assured them that the girl was not dead but sleeping (Luke 8:52), meaning her death was temporary, for he would soon restore her. The people laughed at him, considering his words ridiculous (Mark 5:40). Even in the face of Christ’s power, unbelief mocks what it cannot understand. Yet, their reaction only confirmed the certainty of her death, making her resurrection all the more undeniable.
Jesus put the mourners outside, for those who scorn divine works are unworthy witnesses of them. Unlike the public resurrections of Lazarus (John 11:43-44) and the widow’s son (Luke 7:14-15), this miracle was performed privately, as Capernaum had already disregarded smaller miracles and was unworthy of greater displays of divine power (Matthew 11:23). He took the girl’s hand, and she arose immediately (Mark 5:41-42). Unlike Elijah and Elisha, who prayed over the dead (1 Kings 17:21; 2 Kings 4:33), Jesus raised her with a simple touch, demonstrating his divine authority. He alone commands life and death (Revelation 1:18).
Though the miracle was performed in private, its fame spread throughout the region (Matthew 9:26). People talked about Christ’s works more than they reflected on their meaning. Even those who only heard about them were accountable for believing in him. We may not see his miracles firsthand, but we have reliable testimony of them in Scripture, and blessed are those who believe without seeing (John 20:29).