Luke 8:49-8:56 “Miracles of Healing”

40 Now as Jesus was returning [to Galilee], the people welcomed Him, for they had all been expecting Him. 41 Now a man named Jairus, a synagogue official, came [to Him]; and he fell at Jesus’ feet and began begging Him to come to his house; 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. But as Jesus went, the people were crowding against Him [almost crushing Him].

43 And a woman who had [suffered from] a hemorrhage for twelve years and had spent all her money on physicians, and could not be healed by anyone, 44 came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His outer robe, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” While they all were denying it, Peter and those who were with him said, “Master, the people are crowding and pushing against You!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, because I was aware that power [to heal] had gone out of Me.” 47 When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came up trembling and fell down before Him. She declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith [your personal trust and confidence in Me] has made you well. Go in peace (untroubled, undisturbed well-being).”

49 While He was still speaking, someone from the synagogue official’s house came and said [to Jairus], “Your daughter is dead; do not inconvenience the Teacher any further.” 50 But Jesus, hearing this, answered him, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe and trust [in Me and have faith in My ability to do this], and she will be made well.” 51 When He came to the house, He allowed no one to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl’s father and mother. 52 Now they were all weeping loudly and mourning for her; but He said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead, but is sleeping.” 53 Then they began laughing scornfully at Him and ridiculing Him, knowing [without any doubt] that she was dead. 54 But Jesus took hold of her hand and spoke, saying, “Child, arise!” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He ordered that she be given something to eat. 56 Her parents were greatly astonished [by the miracle]; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

My Commentary

Whether your familiar with Jesus’ teachings or not, I find this story to be heart-warming. When Jesus healed the girl, the man Jairus was so concerned about his twelve year old daughter who was dying (any parent would be terrified and devastated if anything happened to their child)! In Luke 8:50, Jesus tried to reassure Jairus by saying “Do not be afraid any longer only believe and trust, and she will be made well.” And he goes onto saying in Luke 8:54, “Child arise!” And in Luke 8:55, “Her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He ordered that she be given something to eat.”

In the other part of the chapter, Jesus healed the woman who suffered from a blood hemorrhage for twelve years! I can’t imagine the discomfort she felt! In Luke 8:44, the woman “came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His outer robe, and immediately her bleeding stopped.” Imagine having a faith so big and so strong that you believe with all your heart you could be healed? Even after all of the disappointments at the hands of many physicians, that didn’t stop this woman from believing and keeping the faith in J.C! 48 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Jesus not only extends His love and mercy to all- He addresses them in a very personal way. He reached out His hand to me so we could build a relationship. Now He speaks to me when I read His word. He wasn’t just addressing that woman, but is also addressing any believer…including you or me. So, sometimes I say, "Thank you Jesus for making me well; now I can go in peace”.

Jesus healed many people of their diseases; including the blind, sick, paralyzed, and the mute. But one of the most amazing miracles he performed of all was raising people from the dead. It is no coincidence to me that at the end of his life, he died on the cross and on the third day rises again. Because He lives, we live also!

Daily Reflections

Can you a recall a time in your life where you felt inherently grateful? You just received some amazing news? Maybe you got into your dream school or got your dream job? Maybe you met the man of your dreams and fell so deep in love? How about a time where you were faced with adversity? It would have been easy to lose hope and get discouraged but you kept trying? And ultimately, something beautiful came out of it in the end? Or maybe not. But you showed your resilience. How about a time where you went out of your way for someone else? How did that feel? Today, I want to encourage you to pray to God and be grateful for both the struggles and the fortunes…each one is a learning experience. Be grateful for those who stood by your side and kept supporting you and believing in you. No matter our present circumstances and no matter the problem; how big or how small, God will always comfort you and help you to find the gratitude…that’s the beauty of faith.

Suggestions for Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for creating such a wonderful world. Thank you for the green grass, the green trees, and the beautiful blue sky and shining sun. Thank you for the simple things-yummy food, fresh cups of coffee, a comfortable bed. Thank you for all my blessings- my family and friends. May you help me to see these things as luxuries today. Help me to be of service- to help someone who is struggling or needs a hug. I pray for those who I’ve been struggling to get along with, I pray for my neighbors, and my loved ones. I pray for those who are alone-suffering from addiction, for those who have no food to eat, no home, no clothing…I pray that you bless them and comfort them. Lord, how can I help? Thy will not mine be done. Amen.”