Luke 8:55 – “Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the miracle of Jairus’ daughter’s resurrection is completed. When Jesus commands her to get up, her spirit returns to her body, and she immediately stands up. This instantaneous and complete restoration of life shows the power and authority of Jesus over death. There is no delay, no recovery period—just immediate life. Jesus then gives a practical instruction: to give her something to eat. This small but important detail demonstrates that the girl is fully alive and capable of eating, confirming the reality of her resurrection.
Jesus’ instruction to give her food also shows His concern for her well-being. It’s a reminder that God’s care for people isn’t just spiritual—it includes physical needs too. This moment ties the supernatural with the practical, showing that God is present in both.
Historical Context
In Jewish thought, the concept of death involved the departure of the spirit from the body. For the girl’s “spirit to return” meant that her life had been fully restored. This language reflects the understanding that life itself is a gift from God and that only God has the power to give it back when it has been taken away.
The command to give her something to eat may seem like a small detail, but it would have been significant to those witnessing the event. In the ancient world, eating was a sign of life and normalcy. By eating, the girl demonstrates that she is not a ghost or apparition—she is fully alive. This detail serves as proof of the completeness of the miracle.
Theological Implications
- Jesus has power over death: The fact that the girl’s spirit returns immediately at Jesus’ command shows that Jesus has authority over life and death. He is not limited by death, and His power is absolute.
- Resurrection points to new life: This resurrection is a foretaste of the greater resurrection to come. Just as Jesus brings the girl back to physical life, He offers spiritual resurrection and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
- God’s concern for the whole person: Jesus’ instruction to give her food shows that God cares not only about spiritual needs but also about physical well-being. This reflects the holistic nature of God’s salvation, which involves body, mind, and spirit.
- Faith confirmed by evidence: The instruction to give her food also serves as evidence for those present that the miracle was real. Faith is important, but God often provides physical confirmation of His work to strengthen belief.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as the resolution to the story of Jairus’ daughter. The tension and conflict that had been building throughout the narrative—Jairus’ plea, the delay with the woman’s healing, the announcement of the girl’s death—are now resolved in a moment of triumph. The phrase “Her spirit returned” marks the climax of the miracle, while “she stood up at once” emphasizes the immediacy and completeness of her restoration.
The instruction to give her food adds a practical, down-to-earth element to the miraculous event. It bridges the gap between the extraordinary and the ordinary, reminding readers that God’s power works within the context of real life. The detail of eating highlights the authenticity of the miracle and reinforces the idea that Jesus’ power brings tangible results.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 11:43-44 – Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, showing His authority over life and death.
- 1 Kings 17:22 – The Lord hears Elijah’s prayer, and the life of a dead child returns to him, demonstrating God’s power to restore life.
- Luke 24:41-43 – After His resurrection, Jesus eats with His disciples, providing physical proof that He is alive.
- Acts 9:40-41 – Peter raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead, showing that the power of resurrection continues through Jesus’ disciples.
- Romans 8:11 – The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will also give life to believers.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder of the power of Jesus to bring life into situations that seem dead or hopeless. Just as He brought Jairus’ daughter back to life, Jesus can breathe new life into areas of our lives that feel broken or beyond repair. Whether it’s a spiritual revival, emotional healing, or physical restoration, His power is still active today.
The practical instruction to give the girl food teaches Christians that God is not only interested in grand miracles but also in the ordinary details of life. Believers are called to trust God for the big things, like resurrection and salvation, but also to depend on Him for daily needs. This verse shows that faith is lived out in the everyday, where the miraculous and the practical intersect.
For Christians, this verse also points to the hope of the future resurrection. Just as the girl’s spirit returned to her body, believers can look forward to the day when they will be raised to new life in Christ, free from death and suffering forever.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is demonstrated through His power to restore life. The resurrection of Jairus’ daughter is an act of compassion, showing that God is deeply concerned with human suffering and is willing to intervene. His love is not limited to offering comfort—He brings actual restoration and healing.
The fact that Jesus addresses the girl tenderly and ensures that she is given food reflects God’s personal care for His people. His love is not distant or impersonal—it is present in every aspect of life, from the most miraculous events to the smallest details.
God’s love is also seen in His desire to confirm His work through tangible evidence. Jesus doesn’t leave the witnesses doubting what they’ve seen. By instructing them to feed the girl, He provides proof of her full recovery, showing that His love reassures and strengthens faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the giver of life. His ability to bring the girl’s spirit back demonstrates His divine nature and foreshadows His ultimate victory over death through His own resurrection. Just as He raised Jairus’ daughter, He will rise from the grave and offer eternal life to all who believe in Him.
The command for her to “get up” is also symbolic of the spiritual awakening Jesus brings. In Ephesians 2:4-5, Paul describes how believers, though spiritually dead, are made alive through Christ. Just as Jairus’ daughter responds to Jesus’ command, those who hear His call to salvation are brought from spiritual death to life.
This miracle is a small picture of the greater resurrection that Jesus promises in John 5:28-29, where all who are in their graves will hear His voice and rise. His power over physical death confirms that He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What areas of your life feel “dead” or beyond hope? How can you invite Jesus to bring restoration and new life?
- How does the fact that Jesus is concerned about both miracles and practical needs (like eating) affect your view of His involvement in your life?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in Jesus’ power over situations that seem impossible?
- What does the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter teach you about God’s ability to turn grief into joy?
- In what ways can you share the hope of resurrection and new life with those who are struggling with despair or loss?