Luke 8:40-56 Commentary on the Healing of Jairus’ Daughter and the Woman
Introduction to Luke 8:40-56: Jairus’ Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage
Luke 8:40-56 tells the story of two miraculous healings that unfold as Jesus makes his way through Galilee. The first involves Jairus, a synagogue leader, who seeks Jesus’ help to heal his dying daughter. The second tells of a woman who has suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years, seeking healing by merely touching Jesus’ garment. Both stories highlight the theme of faith and the willingness to reach out to Jesus for healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Placing Luke 8:40-56 Within the Gospel of Luke
This passage sits within a broader context of miracles in Luke, showcasing Jesus’ power over physical illness, death, and even spiritual healing. It comes after Jesus’ calming of the storm and His healing of a demon-possessed man in Gerasene (Luke 8:22-39). These acts demonstrate his authority over both the natural and supernatural realms.
Furthermore, the healing of Jairus’ daughter and the woman with the hemorrhage aligns with the recurring themes in Luke: compassion, inclusion, and the transformative power of Jesus’ touch. These stories remind us that faith in Jesus is not limited by societal barriers or personal shame.
Comparing Mark and Matthew’s Accounts of Luke 8:40-56
Luke’s account shares similarities with Mark 5:21-43 and Matthew 9:18-26, though each Gospel writer brings unique elements to the story. In Mark and Matthew, the woman’s healing is emphasized, while Luke focuses more on the emotional state of Jairus and the crowd’s reaction to Jesus’ power. Each version highlights Jesus’ compassion, but Luke particularly emphasizes the importance of faith and how Jesus engages with those in need of healing.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown of Luke 8:40-56
Luke 8:40-42 - Jairus Approaches Jesus
Jairus, a synagogue leader, falls at Jesus’ feet, urgently pleading for Him to come and heal his dying daughter. His desperation reflects both the gravity of the situation and his faith in Jesus’ ability to heal. Jairus’ position as a leader of the synagogue places him in a position of authority, yet he humbles himself before Jesus, showing that no status or position can protect one from the frailty of life.
Luke 8:43-48 - The Woman with a Hemorrhage
As Jesus walks to Jairus’ house, a woman who has been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years touches his garment in hope of healing. She believes that even a simple touch will be enough for her to be healed. Jesus, sensing that power has gone out from Him, turns and asks who touched Him. The woman, trembling, confesses her action. Jesus responds not with reprimand, but with comfort, saying, “Your faith has made you well.” His words affirm that healing comes not just from physical touch but from the faith that leads to it.
Luke 8:49-56 - Jairus’ Daughter is Healed
As Jesus is speaking to the woman, Jairus receives the devastating news that his daughter has died. Jesus, hearing this, reassures him: “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be saved.” Upon arriving at Jairus’ house, Jesus takes the girl’s hand and tells her to arise. Immediately, she is restored to life, and the crowd is amazed. Jesus instructs them to keep the miracle quiet, a common theme in his ministry to avoid premature declarations of his identity as the Messiah before his time.
Connections to Philippians, Ephesians, and 1 John
Both Philippians and Ephesians reflect similar themes of faith and trust in God, which can enhance our understanding of Luke 8:40-56. In Philippians 4:13, Paul writes, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” a verse that resonates with the faith demonstrated in the healing stories. The woman’s belief in Jesus’ healing power, even in her desperate state, mirrors the kind of faith Paul encourages—faith that empowers us to reach beyond our circumstances.
Ephesians 3:20 also connects, as it speaks of God’s ability to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” This is exactly what happens in Luke 8:40-56—the faith of Jairus and the woman leads to a miraculous healing that surpasses human expectation. Similarly, 1 John 5:14-15 encourages believers that “if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us,” reinforcing that Jesus listens to the cries of the faithful, even when they seem impossible or hopeless.
For more on Jesus’ healing miracles, read our commentary on Luke 5:12-16: The Healing of a Leper." Or Jesus’ Miracles in Luke
The Meaning of Luke 8:40-56 for Today
This passage invites us to consider the nature of our faith. Both Jairus and the woman show us that faith doesn’t always need to be bold or loud; sometimes, it’s a quiet trust that Jesus can heal, no matter the situation. This story teaches us that faith, no matter how small or desperate it seems, is enough for Jesus to act.
It also challenges us to trust in God’s timing. While the healing of the woman with the hemorrhage was immediate, Jairus had to wait for his daughter’s restoration—after receiving devastating news that she had already died. This demonstrates that while God’s power is immediate, his timing is perfect, and we must trust in both.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the significance of the woman touching Jesus’ cloak?
A: The woman’s act of touching Jesus’ cloak demonstrates her faith in his power to heal, even without a direct request. Jesus acknowledges her faith, showing that healing comes through belief in Him.
Q: Why did Jesus tell Jairus’ family not to tell anyone about the miracle?
A: Jesus often instructed people to keep his miracles quiet to avoid being misunderstood as merely a miracle-worker, rather than the Messiah with a greater mission.
Q: What was Jairus’ job?
A: Jairus was a synagogue leader, a man of high social standing and religious authority. Despite his position, he humbly sought out Jesus for help, showing that no one is beyond the need for Jesus’ healing touch.
Q: What did the woman suffer from?
A: The woman suffered from a hemorrhage, a condition that caused her to be ritually unclean according to Jewish law, isolating her from society and leaving her in a state of constant suffering for twelve years.
Conclusion: Lessons on Faith and Healing from Luke 8:40-56
The stories of Jairus and the woman with the hemorrhage invite us into a deeper understanding of faith. Their unwavering belief in Jesus’ power to heal—no matter the odds—serves as a reminder that faith in Jesus brings hope, restoration, and transformation. Whether we find ourselves in a moment of desperate need or a quiet place of trust, Jesus is always present, ready to act according to his will. His compassion remains unyielding, and his healing touch is available to all who believe.
