PER153

The interrupted healing of Jairus' daughter

Pericope 153 recounts the beginning of the episode of Jairus' daughter at Capernaum (February–March AD 32). A synagogue ruler, Jairus begs Jesus to heal his only daughter, aged 12. But Jesus, held up by the crowd, does not arrive in time: the little girl dies. This synoptic account (Mt 9.18-19; Mk 5.21-24; Lk 8.40-42) raises the question of Jairus' faith in the face of the ordeal of death.

4 min healing Jairus Jairus' daughter Capernaum miracle 3 verses 3 books

Resources

You can consult:

ANN078: The parables

Biblical texts

Matthew

Matthew 9.18-19 (King James Version)

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Mark

Mark 5.21-24 (King James Version)

And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the , Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Luke

Luke 8.40-42 (King James Version)

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the : and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

John

John (King James Version) not cited in the book

The plea of Jairus

Comments

The return of to Capernaum went off without incident, which probably surprised the Apostles. Indeed, after all these events, they must have wondered what could still happen.

A multitude of people has gathered on the beach to welcome the Master and his disciples. A new day begins, like the previous ones, in which the crowd hopes to receive blessings or healings. People are also drawn to the Master's teachings, whose discourses stand out sharply from those they had heard before.

A notable event is reported by all three authors of the synoptic gospels, each of them mentioning this fact. Jairus, a leader of the of Capernaum, seeks the help of the Messiah Jesus because of the serious illness of his only daughter, aged 12. This step is unusual given Jairus' position and the strained relations between the Messiah Jesus and the religious authorities. It nevertheless shows that there are exceptions for certain individuals, as in the case of Jairus.

However, what could have been a miracle like many others will not unfold as planned. Indeed, the Messiah Jesus, held back by the crowd, is delayed, and the young girl dies during this interval of time. Thus, there is no longer any question of healing.

How will the father react? How far will his faith carry him? Will he find the strength to go on, or will he give up in the face of obstacles?

La guérison de la fille de Jaïrus interrompue. La péricope 153 relate le début de l'épisode de la fille de Jaïrus à Capernaüm (février-mars de l'an 32). Dirigeant de synagogue, Jaïrus supplie Jésus de guérir sa fille unique de 12 ans. Mais Jésus, retardé par la foule, n'arrive pas à temps : la fillette décède. Ce récit synoptique (Mt 9.18-19 ; Mc 5.21-24 ; Lc 8.40-42) soulève la question de la foi de Jaïrus face à l'épreuve de la mort. Commentaires. Le retour de Gadara à Capernaüm s’est déroulé sans incident, ce qui a probablement surpris les Apôtres. En effet, après tous ces événements, ils devaient se demander ce qui pourrait encore survenir. Une multitude de personnes s'est rassemblée sur la plage pour accueillir le Maître et ses disciples. Une nouvelle journée débute, semblable aux précédentes, où la foule espère recevoir des bénédictions ou des guérisons. Les gens sont également attirés par les enseignements du Maître, dont les discours se distinguent nettement de ceux qu'ils ont entendus auparavant. Un événement notable est rapporté par les trois auteurs des évangiles synoptiques, chacun mentionnant ce fait. Jaïrus, un dirigeant de la synagogue de Capernaüm, sollicite l'aide du Messie Jésus en raison de la maladie grave de sa fille unique, âgée de 12 ans. Cette démarche est singulière étant donné la position de Jaïrus et les relations tendues entre le Messie Jésus et les autorités religieuses. Cela démontre toutefois que des exceptions existent pour certains individus, comme dans le cas de Jaïrus. Cependant, ce qui aurait pu être un miracle, semblable à beaucoup d'autres, ne se déroulera pas comme prévu. En effet, le Messie Jésus, étant retenu par la foule, est retardé, et la jeune fille décède pendant cet intervalle de temps. Ainsi, il n'est plus question de guérison. Quelle sera la réaction du père ? Jusqu'où sa foi le portera-elle ? Trouvera-t-il la force de continuer ou renoncera-t-il face aux obstacles ?