The Story

The Lord came back by boat to the Gennesaret shore. Among those who were waiting for Him was Jairus, whose little girl was dying. The father of the little girl in his grief was not proud as the rulers of the synagogue often were, but came quickly to the Lord, and as he met Him fell at His feet, and besought Him to come and heal his daughter; and the Lord went with him.

As they went from the shore toward the town to the ruler's house many people pressed about them. Among them came a poor woman who had suffered with a sickness twelve years, and tried many doctors, but was no better but rather made worse. At that time the people, and even the doctors, knew almost nothing about the means of healing which the Lord has given us. They did the most useless and foolish things trying to help those who were sick. This poor woman came in the crowd behind the Lord and touched the border of His garment, perhaps the hem or the fringe of His robe. She touched the hem and she felt at once that she was healed. The Lord knew that she had touched Him, for He turned about and asked who had done it. So He feels each one who receives His help.

Meantime at the house of Jairus the little girl had died. You picture the sad scene, made more sad by hired mourners. Picture the Lord's coming to the house. Listen as He says, "She is not dead, but sleepeth." Watch as He takes the little girl by the hand and bids her to arise. Think also that this was said and done to teach us of the Lord's power which wakens us all when we die, in the spiritual world.

1. Who was Jairus? How was the Lord's power seen at his house?

2. What happens when a little girl dies?

3. What miracle is connected with the raising of Jairus' daughter, in each Gospel which tells the story?

What others do you remember whom the Lord raised from the sleep of death to life again in this world? At what other time did He teach us that death is a sleep? (John 11: 11-14) The sleep lasts for a longer or shorter time, according to the preparation which each one needs. The awakening is usually on the third day. Remember the resurrection of the Lord who was laid in the sepulchre on the Friday evening, and was risen early Sunday morning. Read also Hosea 6:2. (R. 153; T. 281)

There is another kind of death far more serious than passing from the natural to the spiritual world. It is when the life of heavenly affection and truth dies out from the heart. Of which kind of death is it said, "The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the Loin from this time forth and for evermore"? (Psalm 115:17, 18)

Does the heavenly life begin in us full grown and strong? Remember the Lord's words to Nicodemus, that he must be born again. The heavenly life begins like a little child with innocence and feeble affection and understanding. The innocent beginnings of heavenly life are often represented by little children in the Bible; the beginnings of heavenly intelligence especially by boys, and the beginnings of gentle, heavenly affection by girls. It is said of the heavenly Jerusalem, "The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls, playing in the streets thereof." (Zechariah 8:4, 5) How sad it is when the little daughter of gentle, heavenly affection dies! The Lord alone can revive this affection and make it grow strong! (E. 863; A. 2348) Notice that when the Lord recalled the little girl to life He commanded that something be given her to eat. Does it not show our duty to strengthen and keep alive what He gives us of affection for heavenly things?

Is this the only time that persons were healed by touching the Lord's garments? (Mark 6:56) His garments represent His Divine truth and words, which clothe to us His Divine love. We touch the garment's hem when we use the Commandments and the letter of the Lord's Word to make our actions right, and in doing so we feel the Lord's power. In the midst of our everyday work and care we can touch His garment's hem, and receive help, for the Divine power is in the letter of the Word. (E. 195; A. 10023)

to next Lesson