Luke 8:54 – “But he took her by the hand and said, ‘My child, get up!’”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes the miraculous moment when Jesus brings Jairus’ daughter back to life. After the mourners had laughed at Him, Jesus enters the room, takes the girl by the hand, and speaks directly to her, saying, “My child, get up!” With these simple yet powerful words, life returns to her. This demonstrates the authority of Jesus’ word—He doesn’t need elaborate rituals or complicated prayers. His authority is so complete that even death must obey His command.
By taking her by the hand, Jesus shows His compassion and tenderness. He doesn’t treat her death as just another problem to be solved—He treats her with the gentleness of a loving Father calling His child back to life.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, touching a dead body was considered defiling and would make someone ceremonially unclean (Numbers 19:11-13). But Jesus is not concerned about ritual impurity. His willingness to touch the girl’s hand reflects His power to bring life where there was death. Instead of death defiling Him, His touch brings healing and resurrection.
Throughout the Old Testament, only prophets like Elijah and Elisha were known to have raised the dead (1 Kings 17:17-24, 2 Kings 4:32-37). By raising this girl with a simple command, Jesus shows that He is greater than the prophets. His power to give life is immediate and effortless, reflecting His divine authority.
The fact that He addresses her as “My child” shows the personal nature of the miracle. In a culture where children held a special place within the family, Jesus’ words would have been a source of comfort to her parents, reinforcing the idea that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people.
Theological Implications
- Jesus’ authority over life and death: This miracle demonstrates that Jesus has complete authority over death. Just as He can heal the sick, He can also restore life to the dead, proving that He is the Lord of life.
- The power of God’s word: Jesus’ command, “My child, get up,” reflects the creative power of His word. Just as God spoke the world into existence (Genesis 1), Jesus speaks life into the dead. His words are not suggestions—they carry divine power.
- Compassion in the midst of power: Jesus’ actions show that God’s power is never cold or distant. The fact that He takes the girl by the hand and speaks to her lovingly highlights that God’s power is rooted in compassion and care for individuals.
- Foreshadowing the resurrection: This event is a preview of the ultimate resurrection that Jesus will accomplish through His own death and resurrection. It points to the hope that death is not the final word for those who believe in Him.
Literary Analysis
This verse is the climax of the narrative. The tension that had been building throughout the story—Jairus’ desperate plea, the delay caused by the healing of the woman, and the news of the girl’s death—finds its resolution in Jesus’ simple yet powerful command. The phrase “he took her by the hand” emphasizes His personal involvement, while the command “My child, get up” reveals His authority.
The simplicity of the scene is striking. There is no spectacle, no dramatic ritual—just the touch of His hand and the power of His word. This simplicity underscores the effortless power of Jesus. The contrast between the mourners’ laughter in the previous verse and the miracle of resurrection highlights the difference between human doubt and divine reality.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Mark 5:41 – The parallel account where Jesus says, “Talitha koum!” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”
- John 11:43 – Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb with the words, “Lazarus, come out!” showing His authority over death.
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 – Elijah raises a widow’s son from the dead through prayer and physical action, highlighting the contrast between the prophets’ efforts and Jesus’ effortless command.
- 2 Kings 4:32-37 – Elisha raises a Shunammite woman’s son, emphasizing the prophetic tradition of resurrection.
- John 10:28 – Jesus declares that He gives eternal life and that no one can snatch His people from His hand, showing His power over death and eternal security.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds Christians that Jesus has authority over every situation, even those that seem final and irreversible. Just as He brought life to Jairus’ daughter, He can bring life and restoration to areas of our lives that seem dead—whether it’s a broken relationship, a failed dream, or spiritual emptiness.
The command, “My child, get up,” can also be seen as a spiritual call for believers. Jesus calls each person out of spiritual death into new life through faith in Him (Ephesians 2:4-5). For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder that Jesus is constantly calling His followers to rise, not only from physical death but also from sin and despair.
Additionally, the personal nature of the miracle emphasizes that God knows and cares for each individual. Christians can take comfort in knowing that they are not just one of many in a crowd—Jesus sees them, knows their needs, and calls them by name.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the way Jesus personally interacts with Jairus’ daughter. He doesn’t perform the miracle from a distance or treat it as a demonstration of power. Instead, He takes her hand and gently calls her to get up. This reflects God’s tender care and His desire to restore life and hope.
God’s love is also evident in the way He responds to faith. Jairus approached Jesus in faith, and Jesus honored that faith by restoring his daughter’s life. This shows that God is not indifferent to human suffering—He responds with compassion and power when His people seek Him.
Finally, this verse reveals that God’s love is stronger than death. Death, which often feels like the ultimate defeat, is no match for God’s love. Jesus’ victory over death is a demonstration of the lengths to which God’s love will go to save and restore His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the one who brings life. His ability to raise the dead points to His identity as the Son of God and foreshadows His resurrection. Just as He raised Jairus’ daughter, He would later rise from the dead, defeating death once and for all and securing eternal life for those who believe in Him.
Jesus’ command, “My child, get up,” also reflects His mission to give spiritual life. In John 11:25, He declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” His interaction with Jairus’ daughter is a small picture of the larger mission He fulfills through His death and resurrection.
Furthermore, this miracle is a reminder that Jesus’ resurrection power is available to all believers. Just as He called Jairus’ daughter to rise, He calls believers to rise to new life through faith in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What areas of your life feel “dead” and in need of Jesus’ restoring touch?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust Jesus, even in situations that seem hopeless?
- What does Jesus’ personal interaction with the girl teach you about God’s care for individuals?
- How does this miracle help strengthen your faith in Jesus’ power over life and death?
- In what ways is Jesus calling you to “get up” spiritually, emotionally, or relationally in your current season of life?