Jairus’ Daughter and

the Woman Who Touched

Jesus’ Cloak

10 February 2022 (Updated on 6 February 2026)

The intertwined story of Jairus’ daughter and the woman who touched Jesus’ cloak is one of the most moving miracle narratives in the Gospels. It appears in all three Synoptic Gospels:

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

While Matthew’s account is shorter and slightly different in emphasis, the stories in Mark and Luke are almost identical. In this reflection, we focus primarily on Mark 5:21–43, which provides the most detailed narrative.

The Story in Brief

After Jesus crossed back by boat, a large crowd gathered around Him by the sea. Among them was Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. Seeing Jesus, Jairus fell at His feet and pleaded desperately for his dying daughter, asking Jesus to come and lay hands on her so that she might live. Without hesitation, Jesus went with him.

As they walked, the crowd pressed in tightly. In the midst of this chaos was a woman who had suffered from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had spent all she had on physicians, yet her condition only worsened. Having heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him and touched His cloak, believing that even this small act of faith would heal her.

Immediately, she was healed. Jesus, aware that power had gone out from Him, stopped and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” Though the disciples questioned how such a thing could be discerned in a crowd, the woman came forward in fear and trembling and told Him the whole truth. Jesus responded tenderly, calling her “Daughter” and affirming that her faith had made her well.

While Jesus was still speaking, messengers arrived from Jairus’ house with devastating news: his daughter had died. Jesus reassured Jairus, saying, “Do not fear, only believe.”

At Jairus’ home, Jesus dismissed the mourners, took the child by the hand, and spoke the words, “Talitha cum”—“Little girl, get up.” Immediately, the twelve-year-old girl rose and walked, leaving all present overcome with amazement.

Jesus instructs those present that no one should know about this and tells them to give her something to eat.

What Stands Out in This Story?

1. Jairus: Faith Beyond Reputation

Jairus was a leader of the synagogue, part of a group often opposed to Jesus. Yet when his daughter was dying, social position, pride, and past hostility faded away. Knowing Jesus was his only hope, Jairus humbled himself publicly and fell at Jesus’ feet.

Jesus did not question his past actions or demand proof of faith. He simply went with him. This reminds us that Jesus does not hold our past against us when we come to Him sincerely.

2. Physical Nourishment Is as Important as Spiritual Nourishment

An important aspect of this story that we often overlook is the fact that Jesus asks that the child be given something to eat. This detail is also repeated in Luke’s version of the Gospel. It is significant because it shows that the human body requires both physical and spiritual nourishment to survive. In this case, the child being restored to life represents spiritual nourishment, and Jesus immediately ensures that she also receives physical nourishment.

For those of us in the ministry of God, we must keep in mind that it is not enough to preach the Kingdom alone; we must also find ways to ensure that those to whom we minister receive physical nourishment as well.

3. The Woman Who Could Not Be Seen

To understand the woman’s fear and secrecy, we must look to the Law of Moses:

“If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days… all the days of the discharge she shall continue in uncleanness.”
— Leviticus 15:25

This woman was ritually unclean and excluded from public life. She could not openly approach Jesus without risking public shame. Her only hope was quiet, courageous faith:

“If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.”
— Mark 5:28

4. “Power Had Gone Forth from Him”

When Jesus sensed that power had gone out from Him, we witness the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit moves where there is faith. Jesus’ words confirm this truth:

“Daughter, your faith has made you well.”
— Mark 5:34

5. No Distinction Between Rich and Poor

This story contrasts two people from opposite ends of society:

A respected and wealthy synagogue leader
A poor, marginalized, and ritually unclean woman

Jesus responds to both with equal compassion. He shows no favoritism based on status, wealth, or position.

What Do We Learn From This Passage?

Many people turn to God only in moments of hardship. This story reminds us that regardless of our past, when we turn to Jesus sincerely, He listens.

We are also challenged to reflect:

Are we ashamed to bring our sins before the Lord?
Do we understand the physical needs of those around us?
Do we truly believe that Jesus can make us clean?
Do we trust that His Spirit is alive and working today?

Finally, this passage reminds us that discrimination has no place in the Kingdom of God. Jesus taught that all are equal before the Father. Caste, color, wealth, and status make no difference in God’s presence.

If we truly see ourselves as children of our Heavenly Father, then we must see all people as our brothers and sisters.

References

Photo Credit: Trinity – YHWH in Hebrew, OpenClipart.org

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