The Healing of the Woman and Jairus' Daughter is a significant event in the ministry of Jesus Christ, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, and Luke 8:40-56. This narrative highlights Jesus' authority over illness and death, His compassion, and the importance of faith.

Context and Setting

The event takes place during Jesus' ministry in Galilee. After crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus is met by a large crowd. Among them is Jairus, a synagogue leader, who approaches Jesus with a desperate plea for his dying daughter. This account is notable for its "intercalation" or "sandwich" structure, where the healing of the woman with the issue of blood is interwoven with the account of Jairus' daughter.

Jairus' Plea

Jairus, a respected leader in the Jewish community, demonstrates humility and faith by falling at Jesus' feet and earnestly begging Him to come and heal his twelve-year-old daughter, who is at the point of death. His request is a testament to his belief in Jesus' power to heal. Jesus responds to Jairus' faith by agreeing to go with him.

The Woman with the Issue of Blood

As Jesus makes His way to Jairus' house, a woman suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years approaches Him. According to Mark 5:25-26 , "And a woman was there who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She had borne much agony under the care of many physicians and had spent all she had, but to no avail. Instead, her condition had only grown worse." Her condition rendered her ceremonially unclean, isolating her from society and religious practices.

Driven by faith, she believes that touching Jesus' garment will heal her. As she touches His cloak, she is immediately healed. Jesus, aware that power has gone out from Him, asks, "Who touched My clothes?" (Mark 5:30). The woman, trembling with fear, confesses her action. Jesus responds with compassion, saying, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction" (Mark 5:34).

The Raising of Jairus' Daughter

While Jesus is still speaking, messengers arrive with news that Jairus' daughter has died, advising him not to trouble the Teacher any further. Jesus, however, encourages Jairus, saying, "Do not be afraid; just believe" (Mark 5:36). Upon arriving at Jairus' house, Jesus encounters mourners weeping and wailing. He tells them, "The child is not dead, but asleep" (Mark 5:39), eliciting ridicule from the crowd.

Jesus takes only Peter, James, John, and the child's parents into the room where the girl lies. He takes her by the hand and says, "Talitha koum!" which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" (Mark 5:41). Immediately, the girl rises and begins to walk around. Jesus instructs them to give her something to eat and orders them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Theological Significance

This dual miracle narrative underscores the power and authority of Jesus over both chronic illness and death. It highlights the importance of faith, as seen in the actions of both Jairus and the woman. The woman's healing demonstrates that faith, even when expressed in seemingly small acts, can lead to profound transformation. Jairus' experience teaches that faith in Jesus can transcend even the finality of death.

The account also reflects Jesus' compassion and willingness to engage with those considered unclean or marginalized, as He restores both the woman and the young girl to their communities. Through these miracles, Jesus reveals His divine nature and foreshadows His ultimate victory over death through His own resurrection.