Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.
As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.”
Comment: A Jewish synagogue leader is compelled by his love for his daughter to fall at the feet of one who may well have been his last hope. The daughter was on the verge of dying. On his way to visit her, Jesus becomes caught up in another medical situation. A lady, having spent all her available cash on physicians, came with at least a little faith to see Jesus.
No one could see her medical problem, long term vaginal bleeding, and she probably didn’t want to talk about it in public, so she just touched Jesus garment. No doubt that she hoped there was some healing power even there. Healing power which she had heard about and probably seen. Zap, she’s healed, but Jesus knows someone has touched him in a different way. How he knew, we don’t know, but he called on whoever it was, who touched him to put up their hand. Peter said ‘we’re in a crowd, don’t be ridiculous!’ Nevertheless, this lady owned up about her touch of faith and her healing. I wonder if Jesus meant it to be a lesson for us. We shouldn’t be secretive about our faith, but rather be what in another place Jesus called His witnesses. But the delay sadly gives time for Jairus’ daughter to die, and the news to reach the father and Jesus.
Prayer: Help me to be honest with myself, and the world in which I live, about my relationship to You.
As I read it! 