MATTHEW 9:18-19, 23-26
RAISING AN OFFICIAL’S DAUGHTER
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26, we witness one of the most profound miracles of Jesus: the raising of an official’s daughter from the dead. The passage illustrates both Christ’s authority over death and the unwavering faith of those who approached Him for aid. The official, traditionally understood as Jairus from the parallel accounts in Mark and Luke, approaches Jesus with deep humility and belief that He can restore life to his daughter. Despite the crowd and the mourners, who had already declared the girl dead, Jesus demonstrates that faith in Him can transcend even the finality of death. His actions here reinforce His identity as the Messiah, sent to fulfill the prophecies of old, where the Messiah would heal the sick and raise the dead.
The historical and cultural context of this event is key to understanding its impact. In Jewish tradition, death was considered a permanent separation, and mourners would immediately gather to grieve and lament. By the time Jesus arrived at the official’s house, professional mourners were already present, signaling that hope had been lost. Yet, Jesus challenges this notion, telling the crowd that the girl is not dead but asleep – indicating that for those who trust in Him, death is not the end but a temporary state. For Christians today, this miracle serves as a powerful reminder of the hope of resurrection and eternal life that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him.
Matthew 9:18 “While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.’”
This verse introduces the account of Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Jairus, a synagogue leader, approaches Jesus with profound faith, believing in Jesus’ power to bring his daughter back to life simply through touch. Jairus’ act of kneeling before Jesus and addressing Him as “Lord” displays both his humility and recognition of Jesus’ divine authority.
Historical and Jewish Context
Jairus’ faith in approaching Jesus is even more remarkable given the cultural context. As a synagogue leader, Jairus held a respected position within the Jewish community. Typically, Jewish leaders of the time were skeptical or even hostile toward Jesus. Yet, Jairus sets aside societal and religious barriers to humbly seek help from Jesus.
In Jewish tradition, touching a dead body rendered a person ritually unclean (Num 19:11-13). Despite this, Jairus believes Jesus can overcome this spiritual and physical impurity by restoring life to his daughter. His request expresses a deep faith in Jesus’ divine power, revealing his recognition of Jesus not only as a healer but as a Messiah who transcends the laws of life and death. While many anticipated a political or military Messiah, Jairus’ faith shows that he understands Jesus’ role differently – one with authority over both the spiritual and physical realms.
Catholic Teachings and Miracles of Jesus
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 547) teaches that Christ’s miracles, such as raising the dead, are signs that the Kingdom of God is present in Him and attest that He is the promised Messiah. Jesus’ miracle of raising Jairus’ daughter prefigures His own victory over death through His resurrection. This foreshadowing points to the hope of the general resurrection for all believers, a belief central to Christian faith.
From a Catholic perspective, Jairus’ faith is a model for how we are called to approach Christ – with humility and total trust. In the Catechism (CCC 1503), it is explained that Jesus’ compassion for the sick and His many healings, including raising the dead, are a sign that “God has visited His people.” His miracles point to His divine nature and mission to bring healing, not just physically but spiritually.
Moreover, the Church connects this story to the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Through this sacrament, the Church continues to invoke Jesus’ healing power for those suffering from illness or near death, recognizing that Jesus still heals and restores through grace.
Faith and Humility as Key Lessons
Jairus’ faith is an exemplary model for Christians, emphasizing the importance of humility and trust in approaching Jesus. Despite his position as a leader, Jairus kneels before Christ, expressing not only reverence but belief in Jesus’ authority. In a moment of despair – his daughter’s death – he turns to Jesus with unwavering confidence in His power to restore life.
For modern believers, Jairus’ faith challenges us to come before Jesus with the same level of humility and hope, even in moments that seem beyond repair. This passage encourages us to trust that no situation is too difficult for Jesus to heal, whether it be physical illness, spiritual despair, or even death itself.
Reflection
Jairus’ encounter with Jesus offers a powerful reflection on the role of faith in times of desperation. When we are faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, do we approach Christ with the same humility and trust that Jairus showed? His story reminds us that no situation is beyond Jesus’ power to heal and restore. Whether facing physical illness or spiritual struggles, we are invited to turn to Jesus with confidence in His mercy and power over life and death.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, increase our faith in Your healing power. Help us to approach You with the humility and trust of Jairus, believing that You can bring life out of death and hope out of despair. May we never hesitate to bring our needs before You, trusting in Your infinite love and mercy. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Matthew 9:19 “And Jesus arose and followed him, and so did his disciples.”
This verse takes place within the larger narrative of Jesus healing two individuals: Jairus’ daughter and the woman with the hemorrhage (Mt 9:18–26). Jairus, a synagogue leader, approaches Jesus, imploring Him to heal his daughter, who has just died. He believes that if Jesus lays His hand upon her, she will come back to life. Without hesitation, Jesus rises and follows Jairus, demonstrating His readiness to help those who come to Him in faith.
Key Catholic Teachings in Matthew 9:19
1. Jesus’ Compassion and Readiness to Respond
Jesus’ immediate action of rising and following Jairus is a clear sign of His compassion. He does not delay but answers the call for help. This reflects the broader Catholic teaching that God is always ready to respond to our prayers and cries for help, especially when we approach Him with genuine faith. As Jesus quickly responded to Jairus, He is also attentive to us in our needs (Mt 7:7; CCC 2616).
2. Faith in Action
Jairus’ faith in Jesus’ healing power is pivotal in this story. He approaches Christ, believing that even in the face of death, Jesus has the power to bring life. This aligns with the Catholic understanding of faith: it is not just belief but belief that compels us to act. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for” (CCC 146). Jairus’ faith exemplifies how faith and action work together to invite God’s intervention.
3. Discipleship as Participation in Christ’s Mission
Jesus’ disciples follow Him as He sets out to heal Jairus’ daughter, modeling how we are called to follow Christ. Discipleship means not only learning from Jesus but also participating in His works of mercy. As Catholics, we are called to continue this mission of mercy and healing in the world, through both corporal and spiritual works of mercy (CCC 1533). The disciples’ accompaniment of Jesus symbolizes our role as His followers – witnesses and participants in His redemptive work.
4. Authority in Humility
Though Jesus is the Son of God, He humbles Himself by going to Jairus’ house. This act of humility is a profound lesson in how true authority is exercised in the service of others. Jesus’ journey to help Jairus teaches that no position of power exempts us from serving those in need, and that real authority is found in humility and compassion.
Jewish Tradition and Faith
In Jewish tradition, it was common for people to seek out religious leaders for healing, trusting in God’s power to intervene. Jairus, a synagogue leader, knew the stories of God’s past interventions, yet in his act of faith, he acknowledges Jesus’ divine authority. This foreshadows the full revelation of Christ’s power in His resurrection and highlights a key Christian belief: that in Jesus, God’s intervention has reached its ultimate form.
Reflection
This passage invites us to reflect on our own faith. Do we, like Jairus, turn to Jesus in moments of despair, believing that He has the power to bring new life? In a world filled with challenges and difficulties, we are reminded that Jesus is always ready to answer our call if we approach Him with faith. Moreover, it encourages us to be active disciples, sharing in Christ’s mission of compassion and service. Jesus teaches us that no matter how difficult or hopeless a situation may seem, His power can bring transformation and healing.
The story of Jesus rising to help Jairus’ daughter is a symbol of hope for Christians. Just as Jesus responded to Jairus’ plea, He responds to us in our times of need. Whether we are facing sickness, death, or any form of loss, we must hold fast to our faith in Jesus’ ability to bring restoration. As followers of Christ, we are also called to mirror this response by being there for others in their time of need – arising and following Jesus in His works of mercy.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the way of compassion and service. Help us to be more like You, always ready to respond to the needs of others without hesitation. May we rise quickly when called to serve, just as You did for Jairus. Strengthen our faith in Your power to heal, restore, and bring new life. Grant us the grace to follow You faithfully in all things and to be true disciples, sharing Your love and mercy with the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 9:23-24 “When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, ‘Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they ridiculed him.”
Historical and Jewish Context
In the time of Jesus, Jewish mourning rituals were often intense and communal. Professional mourners, such as flute players and wailers, were hired to publicly express grief (Jer 9:17-20). The presence of these mourners indicates that Jairus’ family had accepted the death of his daughter, and the mourning process had already begun. According to Jewish tradition, death was seen as final, and the gathered crowd would have believed there was no hope for the girl.
However, Jesus challenges this notion by stating, “The girl is not dead but sleeping.” This reflects a deeper biblical metaphor for death, often referred to as “sleep” in the Scriptures. For example, Jesus refers to Lazarus’ death in the same way (Jn 11:11), and St. Paul later uses similar language to describe the death of believers awaiting resurrection (1 Thes 4:13-14). In this instance, Jesus is signaling that death is not the final end but rather a transition, especially for those who trust in God’s power.
Catholic Teaching and Understanding
This passage highlights a central theme of Catholic belief: Jesus’ authority over life and death. His words, “The girl is not dead but asleep,” not only challenge the mourners’ understanding of death but also foreshadow the miracle He is about to perform. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches that Jesus’ miracles, like raising the dead, are signs of His divine authority (CCC 547). Through these signs, Jesus reveals His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God, capable of overcoming even the finality of death.
The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, understood this passage as affirming that death is a temporary separation of the soul from the body, with the soul continuing to live in the presence of God while the body awaits resurrection (CCC 997). The idea of death as “sleep” reflects the Christian hope in the resurrection, as described in the Catechism: “God, in his almighty power, will definitively grant incorruptible life to our bodies by reuniting them with our souls” (CCC 997).
Furthermore, the ridicule Jesus faces from the mourners is significant. It mirrors the disbelief and mockery He encountered throughout His ministry. Despite witnessing His previous miracles, many still doubted His power. The eventual raising of the girl demonstrates that Jesus’ authority transcends human skepticism, and it calls believers to trust in God even when His ways seem incomprehensible.
Present-Day Application
In today’s world, many Christians experience ridicule for their faith, especially when they maintain hope in situations that seem beyond help. This passage encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in Jesus’ power over life and death. Just as Jesus saw beyond the visible finality of death, we are called to trust in God’s promises, even when faced with scorn or doubt.
The “sleep” that Jesus refers to symbolizes the Christian hope in eternal life. It challenges us to look beyond earthly appearances and trust in the divine promise of resurrection. This passage invites us to reflect on our own attitudes toward death and loss: do we see them as final, or do we trust in the new life that Christ offers?
Reflection
Jesus’ words, “The girl is not dead but asleep,” call us to trust in His divine plan, even when the world suggests otherwise. The ridicule of the mourners is a reminder of the skepticism and disbelief that often accompanies faith. As Christians, we are called to look beyond what appears final and trust in the hope of resurrection, the cornerstone of our faith. How can we cultivate deeper faith in God’s promises and maintain hope in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, strengthen our faith in Your power over life and death. Help us to trust in Your words and promises, even when they seem impossible by human standards. Grant us the courage to remain faithful in the face of ridicule and doubt, remembering always that death is but a sleep from which You will awaken us to eternal life, Amen.
Matthew 9:25 “But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose.”
This verse describes the profound moment when Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader, from the dead. It highlights Jesus’ divine power over life and death, illustrating His authority and compassion. Earlier, Jesus had reassured the mourners that the girl was not dead but only sleeping, indicating His foreknowledge of what He was about to do. By touching the girl’s hand, Jesus broke through cultural barriers regarding death and impurity, demonstrating His power to restore life (Num 19:11-22). This act also established a personal connection, showing His compassion and the direct way in which He channels His life-giving power.
This miracle is reminiscent of Old Testament stories of prophets like Elijah and Elisha, who raised the dead (1 Kgs 17:17-24; 2 Kgs 4:32-37). However, unlike these prophets who called upon God, Jesus performed the miracle by His own authority, underscoring His divine identity. This miracle serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own resurrection and the ultimate resurrection at the end of time that He promises to all who believe in Him (Jn 11:25).
Jewish Context and Rituals:
In the Jewish context of the first century, death was seen as a source of ritual impurity. Jewish burial customs demanded that bodies be buried on the same day to avoid this impurity. Mourners, including hired professionals, would wail loudly at funerals, emphasizing the community’s sorrow. By asking the crowd to leave, Jesus sought to remove the noise of disbelief and allow for an intimate, prayerful moment in which He could manifest His divine power.
Jesus’ deliberate choice to touch the girl, despite Jewish laws against touching the dead, reveals that His mission transcends ritualistic purity. He is the Lord of life who has authority even over death. This miracle not only shows His compassion for the girl and her family but also signifies a new order where life triumphs over death.
Catholic Teaching and Sacramental Prefigurement:
From a Catholic perspective, this miracle is rich in symbolism. It demonstrates Christ’s messianic identity and His deep compassion for humanity (CCC 548). His miracles, such as raising the dead, prefigure His ultimate victory over death through His resurrection. This promise of new life extends to all believers, offering hope beyond physical death.
The Catholic Church also sees in this miracle a reflection of the sacraments, particularly the Anointing of the Sick. Just as Jesus restored physical life to the girl, through the sacraments, He offers spiritual healing and eternal life to those who seek Him. The sacraments act as a continuation of Jesus’ healing touch, giving believers access to the grace that can restore them to new life.
Spiritual Reflection:
The raising of Jairus’ daughter calls us to reflect on Christ’s power to not only heal physical afflictions but also to bring about spiritual resurrection. When we feel spiritually dead or distant from God, Jesus stands ready to take us by the hand, lifting us from our despair. His miracles, both in Scripture and through the Church’s ministry, remind us that with faith, no situation is too hopeless. Like Jairus, who reached out in desperation, we too are encouraged to trust in Christ’s healing power and surrender our lives to Him in faith.
Moments of “death” in our lives, whether they be through suffering, sin, or spiritual dryness, are opportunities for Christ to renew us. When we face these challenges, we can turn to Jesus in prayer and through the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He is always willing to extend His hand, offering the grace we need to be restored to spiritual life.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. Just as You raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead, take me by the hand and lift me from my own moments of spiritual death and despair. Grant me the faith to trust in Your power, and help me to seek Your grace, especially in times of difficulty. May I always believe in Your ability to transform my life, and may Your touch restore me to the fullness of life in You. Amen.
Matthew 9:26 “And the report of this spread through all that district.”
This verse concludes the account of Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead, an event that demonstrated Jesus’ divine authority over life and death. Word of this miraculous sign spread quickly, drawing widespread attention to Jesus and His extraordinary power. This moment prefigures Christ’s own resurrection and His ultimate victory over death, as well as His ability to grant eternal life to those who believe in Him.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Christ’s Resurrection is the fulfillment of the promises both of the Old Testament and of Jesus himself during his earthly life” (CCC 652). The raising of Jairus’ daughter is thus seen as both a demonstration of Jesus’ divine authority and a foreshadowing of the Resurrection, showing that through Him, death has no lasting power over those who trust in Him.
Historical and Jewish Context
During Jesus’ time, the Jewish people were eagerly awaiting the Messiah, who they believed would restore Israel and fulfill God’s promises. Jesus’ miracles, such as the raising of Jairus’ daughter, were signs not only of His compassion but also of His identity as the long-expected Messiah. His actions reflected the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 35:5-6, which spoke of the Messiah performing wonders and bringing salvation.
In the Jewish tradition, touching a dead body rendered one ritually unclean (Num 19:11-16), but Jesus transcended these laws by touching Jairus’ daughter and restoring her life. This act symbolized that Jesus, as the Messiah, brought life where death had reigned, breaking the boundaries of impurity with His divine power.
The spread of news about this miracle signified the growing recognition that the Kingdom of God was at hand (Mk 1:15). The fame of Jesus’ deeds spread not only among the Jews but also to the Gentiles, reflecting the universal nature of His mission. This event foreshadows the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.
Catholic Teaching
The Catholic Church sees miracles as signs of God’s Kingdom and affirmations of Christ’s divine power (CCC 547). By raising Jairus’ daughter, Jesus proclaimed Himself as “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25), demonstrating His authority over both physical and spiritual death. His victory over death, ultimately confirmed in His own Resurrection, assures believers of the promise of eternal life (Jn 3:16).
This passage also underscores the Catholic belief in the communion of saints, teaching that physical death is not the end for those who belong to Christ (CCC 1020). Just as Jesus raised the young girl from death, He offers eternal life to all who have faith in Him. The miracle invites us to trust in God’s power to bring new life even in situations that seem hopeless or beyond repair.
Reflection
Jesus’ miracle of raising Jairus’ daughter challenges us to trust in His divine power, even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances. This event reminds us that Jesus brings life and hope where there seems to be none. As His followers, we are called to share the Good News of His love and salvation with those around us. Like those who spread the report of this miracle, we have the responsibility to testify to Christ’s presence and transformative power in our lives.
Evangelization is central to the Christian life. As Pope Francis reminds us: “In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples” (Evangelii Gaudium, 120). We are called to spread the message of Jesus’ saving power, just as the news of His miracles was shared throughout the land in His time. Sharing our own experiences of God’s grace can inspire others to seek Him and strengthen their faith.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your power over sin and death, revealed through Your miraculous works. Strengthen our faith in Your saving power, and give us the courage to share the Good News of Your love with everyone we meet. May our witness help spread Your fame throughout our land, drawing many souls to You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26, we witness the profound power of Jesus over death and His call for unwavering faith. Jairus, a synagogue leader, displays incredible humility and belief as he approaches Jesus, trusting in His ability to restore his daughter to life. Jesus responds by not only demonstrating His authority over death but also challenging the crowd’s disbelief by stating that the girl is only asleep. This miracle is a profound reminder that with faith, even the seemingly impossible becomes possible through Jesus. It invites us to approach Christ with the same humility, trust, and hope that Jairus displayed.
For Christians today, this passage is a reminder of the hope of eternal life and resurrection through Jesus. Just as Jesus brought new life to Jairus’ daughter, He promises eternal life to those who believe in Him. In moments of despair, when situations appear hopeless, we are called to place our faith in Christ, who can bring healing, restoration, and new life. The story of Jairus invites us to trust Jesus’ power over every circumstance, knowing that He is always present, willing to extend His hand and lift us from the depths of despair.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life. Strengthen our faith, especially in moments of difficulty and loss. Help us to approach You with humility and trust, knowing that You hold the power to restore life and hope. Grant us the grace to believe in Your promises and to rely on Your infinite love and mercy. May we always seek Your healing touch, confident that You will bring us through every trial. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.