LUKE 8:40–56, JAIRUS’S DAUGHTER AND THE WOMAN WITH A HEMORRHAGE
YOUR FAITH HAS MADE YOU WELL: FAITH THAT DRAWS LIFE FROM CHRIST
Introduction
This Gospel passage presents two miracles carefully interwoven by Saint Luke to reveal the power of faith in Jesus. As Jesus responds to the urgent plea of Jairus, a respected synagogue official whose only daughter is dying, he is interrupted by a woman who has suffered silently for twelve years. What precedes these events is Jesus’ growing ministry of healing and proclamation; what follows is a revelation of his authority not only over sickness but even over death. The tension of delay, fear, and apparent hopelessness becomes the setting in which Jesus teaches that faith, even when trembling, opens the way to salvation and life.
Bible Passage (Luke 8:40–56)
When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. And a man named Jairus, an official of the synagogue, came forward. He fell at the feet of Jesus and begged him to come to his house, because he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. As he went, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years, who was unable to be cured by anyone, came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. Immediately her bleeding stopped. Jesus then asked, “Who touched me?” While all were denying it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds are pushing and pressing in upon you.” But Jesus said, “Someone has touched me; for I know that power has gone out from me.” When the woman realized that she had not escaped notice, she came forward trembling. Falling down before him, she explained in the presence of all the people why she had touched him and how she had been healed immediately. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace.” While he was still speaking, someone from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.” On hearing this, Jesus answered him, “Do not be afraid; just have faith and she will be saved.” When he arrived at the house he allowed no one to enter with him except Peter and John and James, and the child’s father and mother. All were weeping and mourning for her, when he said, “Do not weep any longer, for she is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him, because they knew that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called to her, “Child, arise!” Her breath returned and she immediately arose. He then directed that she should be given something to eat. Her parents were astounded, and he instructed them to tell no one what had happened.
Background
Saint Luke, writing with medical precision and pastoral sensitivity, presents Jesus as Lord over both illness and death. The Gospel tradition preserves several instances of the dead being raised in salvation history, but here Luke emphasizes faith as the decisive human response. By intertwining the two miracles, Luke highlights Jesus’ compassion for both a powerful religious leader and a socially excluded woman, showing that God’s saving power is offered without distinction.
Opening Life Connection
Many people experience suffering in different ways. Some suffer publicly and receive sympathy; others endure long, hidden pain that isolates them. Some crises arrive suddenly, others stretch over years. This Gospel speaks to both situations and assures us that Jesus sees every form of suffering and responds to faith, whether bold or quiet.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
When Jairus fell at the feet of Jesus, a man of authority humbled himself completely, recognizing that before God all human status is meaningless. His plea reveals a faith willing to risk reputation for the sake of love. Luke emphasizes that the child was his only daughter, heightening the urgency and pain of the moment. Human hope is fading, yet faith propels Jairus forward.
The woman who had been bleeding for twelve years represents prolonged suffering without relief. Her illness made her ritually unclean, cutting her off from worship and community. Yet she dares to hope when all remedies have failed. By touching the tassel of his cloak, she expresses a faith rooted in God’s promises. This is not superstition but trust that holiness flows from Christ and heals what is broken.
Jesus’ question “Who touched me?” is not for information but for revelation. He draws the woman out of hiding so that her healing may restore not only her body but also her dignity and place in the community. When Jesus says “Daughter, your faith has saved you”, he offers more than physical healing. He grants peace, reconciliation, and a new identity rooted in God’s mercy.
The announcement “Your daughter is dead” confronts Jairus with the collapse of human expectation. Faith is now tested beyond reason. Jesus’ words “Do not be afraid; just have faith” call Jairus to trust not in outcomes but in the person of Christ himself.
By declaring “she is not dead, but sleeping”, Jesus reveals God’s perspective on death. What seems final to humans is temporary before divine power. With the command “Child, arise!”, Jesus restores life with gentle authority. The return of her breath shows that life itself responds to his word.
Finally, Jesus instructs them to give her something to eat, reminding us that God’s grace restores the whole person—body and soul—and invites human cooperation in care and love.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Both hemorrhage and death caused ritual impurity under Jewish law. By healing without becoming defiled, Jesus reveals a holiness that overcomes impurity rather than avoiding it. His actions fulfill the law by restoring life and communion with God.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church sees in this passage a sign of Christ’s authority over sickness, sin, and death. Faith cooperates with grace, and salvation involves both spiritual and bodily restoration. These miracles anticipate Christ’s resurrection and the promise of our own resurrection.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Augustine taught that miracles such as these were signs pointing to deeper truths: Christ heals the soul from sin and raises humanity from spiritual death. The saints throughout history have trusted this same power, even amid suffering and apparent delay.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel calls believers to approach Jesus with humility, perseverance, and trust. It invites us to bring long-standing wounds and sudden crises alike to the Lord, to resist fear, and to believe that God’s timing serves a greater purpose. It also challenges us to care for others’ physical and spiritual needs as expressions of faith.
Eucharistic Connection
The same Christ who healed through a touch now comes to us in the Eucharist. In receiving his Body and Blood, we encounter the living Lord whose power restores, nourishes, and sends us forth in peace.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Place your trust in Christ even when human hope fades.
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Repent of fear that limits faith in God’s power.
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Persevere in faith through delay and suffering.
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Renew confidence in Jesus as Lord of life and death.
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Commit to caring for others as a response to God’s grace.
Outline for Preachers
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Gospel context: Jesus as Lord over sickness and death
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Life connection: hidden and public suffering
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Key phrases explained: “your faith has saved you,” “do not be afraid,” “child, arise”
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Jewish understanding of impurity and death
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Catholic teaching on faith, grace, and resurrection
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Saintly insight on healing and salvation
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Application to modern Christian living
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Eucharistic fulfillment of Christ’s healing presence
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Call to faith, perseverance, and compassionate action
