Mark 5:21–43
21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.
25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Today I wanted to take a look at some of the more minor but important pieces of this story. First, it's fascinating that Mark identifies the synagogue ruler by name. Including the specific name of the ruler is completely unnecessary for the advancement of the story. In this era rarely would unnecessary details be included in stories like this since papyrus and ink weren't easy to come by. This indicates that Peter likely knew him well so he includes his name here. Remember, also that this was written in the 60's when Jairus was likely still alive. Skeptics reading Mark's letter and the fantastical claims of Jesus' miracles could visit Capernaum themselves, find Jairus and ask him to corroborate this story. This is a risk no sane person would take if they were fabricating or exaggerating the story. So, including his name in this document gives incredible historical validity to the truth of these events described here.
Also here we see Peter, James and John again among Jesus' inner circle of followers. This is another experience that they witnessed which even the other disciples were not privy to. So the inclusion of what Jesus says in the room indicates that Mark's source was indeed Peter.
The number 12 also appears twice in this story. That is likely not a coincidence. The woman has suffered for 12 years and the little girl is 12 years old. The number 12 is significant in the Old Testament for the 12 tribes of Israel (Jacob's 12 sons) and in the New Testament for Jesus choosing the 12 disciples. In Revelation there are 24 thrones around the throne of God, likely seating the disciples and the sons of Jacob. The full number to be saved (figuratively) is 144,000 (12x12,000)(Rev. 7:4-8). The number 12 likely then symbolizes God's power and authority, particularly as seen in the rule and administration of his perfect kingdom as exemplified through the disciples and the tribes of Israel. His great power and authority signifying the coming Kingdom of God are clearly themes here.
We also see another reversal of the clean/unclean transaction which I have taught on in a previous sermon.
Note as well the compassion of Jesus in these 2 stories. Not only does he heal both the woman and the girl but note the language he uses in speaking to them. He addresses the woman as "daughter" and the girl as "little girl". Both of these are endearing terms that display Jesus’ kindness and great compassion. God's compassion is the first attribute listed in Exodus 34:6 when God declares his identity to Moses. Stories like this show that Jesus has the compassion of the Father.