Matthew 9 - More faith

18 While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that moment.
23 When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region.


I have been reading Matthews account of Jairus’ daughter for a few days now, and it has taught me so much. Jairus was the ruler of the synagogue at Capernaum, a position that would have undoubtedly brought much regard in the community, so to see someone of this status kneel humbly at Jesus feet shows the effect that Jesus was having on the people of this region. Jarius believed that Jesus had the power to heal his daughter, although some in their interpretation of the passage might question whether Jarius’ faith was as strong as the Roman centurions’ in chapter 8. He in turn believed that rather than touch, the mere command of restoration from Jesus was enough.


The personal application resounding throughout has to be that when you compare and contrast the two incidents, you can find yourself being critical of Jarius’. In retrospect of chapter 8 I found myself saying - Jarius, all you have to do is ask, Jesus doesn’t even need to see your daughter to restore her, his power is far greater than you can ever imagine. Then I compare and contrast this to me, I think of the many times where I have questioned, not either the power or authority of Jesus but rather if my asking for intervention in a situation through the power of prayer can have the impact I hope for. Oh me of little faith, I have already learned that Jesus has the power to do so much more than I can ever imagine, so why even bother to doubt. I think I need to pray for my faith to grow with much strength.