Knowing The Word in Luke 8:40-56, Jesus, Jairus, and a Woman

Today we end chapter 8 of Luke and I will be taking Lent off from posting on Luke and will return to Luke 9 on April 22.

Today’s lesson covers two healings. One is a public healing and the other a private one. A woman with a bleeding disorder approaches Jesus. While being distressing, this disorder also had social consequences. Because she was considered unclean according to the cleanliness laws, she was not permitted to touch anyone. Her malady also had financial consequences as she spent all her money on doctors unable to help her. Because the size of the crowd camouflaged her, she was able to sneak in for a quick touch. With the covert contact, her bleeding ceased, and she was immediately healed after twelve long years. We have a mystery. Can power go out of Jesus by simply touching him and he be unaware of who it was? Jesus asks who touched him. Why does he ask this question? Jesus made this incident more public than it needed to be to benefit the woman so all would know she is now clean and can rejoin the community. Jesus’ delay to cure this woman came at the expense of a girl’s life. Jesus showed he was able to cure diseases, but death is a different circumstance. The previous healing was exposed publicly for the sake of the woman. The healing of the girl will be private for the sake of the girl.

40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Prayer:

O Christ, be with all who are facing death today in fear and loneliness.

United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel