Two desperate situations unfold in today’s verses. Inevitably, the solution to both is found in Jesus and in his response to the faith of those in need. 

Vulnerable females – a woman and a young girl – were brought to his attention (vs 18,20). 

The woman would have been regarded as ‘unclean’ (v 20). Ignoring ceremonial rules and regulations (eg Leviticus 15), Jesus touched and restored both to full health –  ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). Interestingly, against all odds (v 22), Jesus noticed the woman’s touch, despite a busy, jostling crowd (see Mark 5:30). In response to her faith, his divine power healed the woman immediately (v 22) – and soon it would also raise the dead girl (v 25). 
The synagogue leader (named as Jairus in Mark and Luke’s accounts), like the woman, trusted Jesus completely, believing that he would raise his daughter to life (v 18). As he expected, Jesus’ power and authority prevailed. What great faith! And what a great reminder for us to trust God, even when everything seems hopeless (Luke 1:37)!

‘… as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.’¹

If you were about to raise the dead, would you first banish your audience? Today’s passage contains two acts of tremendous power, yet both are very intimate moments. Jesus doesn’t seek to play the role of wonder-worker, flashing his might for the crowds. Instead, he offers these two vulnerable daughters his complete attention and love.

So silent, so unseen, is Jesus’ healing of the bleeding woman that no one can be quite sure exactly when it happened. Was it when she touched the hem of his cloak, as Mark and Luke retell the encounter, or when Jesus speaks, as Matthew might seem to imply (v 22)?² We simply don’t know. Like so many works of God, this healing is quiet and deep, resisting explanation. Somehow, as the woman reaches out to touch Jesus, her hope of healing touches the glorious power of God on earth, bringing her salvation into being. Jesus, full of grace, makes no effort to claim the miracle. Instead, he recognises that this woman is in deep need of affirmation after twelve degrading years with a menstrual disorder that left her ritually unclean and probably husbandless.³ He speaks words of encouragement, attributing her healing to her faith, not his power. No doubt she was healed in spirit as well as body that day.

At the synagogue leader’s house, Jesus tells the clamorous hired mourners to leave because they are no longer needed: he knows the girl will live (v 24). Perhaps also Jesus wanted some peace so that he could properly attend to her as an individual, without distraction. Even in restoring the dead to life, Jesus is gentle and considerate. Can we say the same of our encounters with others?

Give each person you meet or communicate with today your undivided attention, as an act of love.

¹ Ps 103:11  ² Mark 5:25–34; Luke 8:43–48  ³ Nolland, Matthew, p395; Keener, Matthew, p303–304