Authority over Death



Matthew 9:18-26
18While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
19And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples.
20And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment,
21for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.”
22Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
23And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion,
24he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him.
25But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.
26And the report of this went through all that district.

This is one of those devotional readings when I just have to marvel at how Jesus’ story is so remarkably woven together. In one event we find the raising/healing of two dead females. I know – you’re telling me to go back and read the story again for only one of the principles is dead, right? Well, let’s go and examine the details.

The touch of Jesus upon these two people is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In Mark and Luke we are told that the “ruler” was Jairus, a leader in the synagogue. So this is a Jewish man who had heard of the work of Jesus. His daughter is going to be dead before he gets back home and turns to the only person he can find who might actually have the authority to take care of his dire situation. Jesus goes with Jairus to bring life back to this little girl. While He is going with Jairus, a woman who has been bleeding for 12 years (interestingly, the same amount of time the little girl has been alive) touches Jesus in the belief that even just a touch will bring her healing. When she reaches out to touch Him, of course He notices and declares that she is healed.

These two people who are in need of life from Jesus have much in common:

  • Both are female
  • Both of these females are dead; the little girl in actuality and the woman who is dying slowly.
  • Both would be considered unclean for the Jewish people – you were made unclean by touching a dead body and you were made unclean by associating with a bleeding woman
  • Both were brought back to life by belief in Jesus’ power over their situation

What do we have in common with these two recipients of a miracle? We are just as dead and unclean as they were. We too are in desperate need of a touch from the Savior that would restore us to life. Each day as we come to the Lord to read His Word and talk to Him, we are petitioning Him just as the bleeding woman and Jairus were doing. Please Lord, save me.

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