Jairus' Daughter and a Woman's Faith

Matthew 9:18-26 | Mark 5:21-43 | Luke 8:40-56

The story of Jairus’ daughter and a Woman’s faith are recorded in the synoptic Gospels. In each account there are similarities and uniquenesses. The reasons for this are the different points of view and different audiences hearing the original stories. 

In Matthew, Mark and Luke, a synagogue leader (Matt. 9:18; Mark 5:22; Luke 8:41) comes to Jesus and worships Him (Matt. 9:18; Mark 5:22; Luke 8:41). Seeking help for his daughter, the man asks Jesus to come heal her (Matt. 5:22; Mark 5:23; Luke 8:41). Jesus goes with the man (Matt. 9:19; Mark 5:24; Luke 8:42). Then a bleeding woman came up behind him and touched his cloak (Matt. 9:20; Mark 5:27; Luke 8:44). Then Jesus addressed her saying “Daughter, your faith has healed you” (Matt. 9:22; Mark 5:34; Luke 8:48). Then, Jesus, continuing on His way to the man’s house said, “The girl is not dead, but asleep” (Matt. 9:24; Mark 5:39; Luke 8:52). This made the crowd laugh at Him (Matt. 9:24; Mark 5:40; Luke 8:53). He then took the dead girl by the hand (Matt. 9:25; Mark 5:41; Luke 8:54), and she stood up (Matt. 9:25; Mark 5:42; Luke 8:55). 

While there are indeed many similarities, there are also some scattered uniquenesses. In Matthew, for example, the synagogue leader’s name is unmentioned. In Mark, all the information in 5:26 is not included in either of the other accounts. Luke includes many little details that are not found in the other gospels. Such as, the crowd was welcoming of Jesus (8:40), no one could heal the woman (8:43), that the daughter would be healed (8:50), and that the child’s mother and father accompanied Jesus when He went to heal their daughter (8:51).

While all the books have similarities, Matthew is the most unique, having the shortest account. As previously mentioned, Matthew’s account does not include the name of the synagogue leader. This is consistent with his authorship, not including many seemingly unnecessary details. A major difference is the tense of the dying girl. While Mark and Luke record that the girl is dying (Mark 5:23; Luke 8:42), Matthew records that she is dead (Matthew 9:18). Because of this difference, Matthew’s account is shorter, not needing to elaborate on her death (Mark 5:35-40; Luke 8:49-52a). Staying consistent with his record, Matthew shares that Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house (Matthew 9:23). Jesus then proceeds to heal the young girl (Matthew 9:25). Many of these uniquenesses may be attributed to Matthew’s audience, the Jews. Regarding the bleeding woman, Jesus never asked who touched Him. In both Mark and Luke, Jesus is recorded asking who touched Him. In Matthew, Jesus simply turns around and addresses her. Finally, Matthew includes the exclusive statement that the “woman was healed at that moment” (Matthew 9:22). While reading each account, one must remember that each gospel was written to different audiences. 

In the beautiful passage of Mark 5:25-34, Jesus has a short dialogue with a bleeding woman. Verses 27-29 show the woman’s courage to seek Jesus out, her trust in His power, and her faith rewarded. This can be a wonderful example for a believer. Proactivity is an evidence of wanting change. Jesus’ tender response is compassionate. He lovingly looks on the woman, calls her daughter, and tells her to be free from suffering (Mark 5:34). After a radical change like this, one must evaluate how he or she will go forward. After the oppressed woman came in contact with Jesus and experienced His power, she was able to leave in peace (Mark 5:34).