Private Healing

"Her parents were astonished, but He ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened." 

Luke 8:56

Jesus is asked to come to the house of Jairus because his twelve year old daughter is dying, and Jairus believes Jesus can heal her. On His way however, someone in the crowd touches the hem of His robe and He instantly knows it. He is delayed in His travels because He stops to ask around to see who it was. When His robe was touched in faith for the purpose of healing, He knew. He would feel the power go out of Him. 

During this delay, someone from Jairus' house comes to announce that the girl has died. Jesus heads on to the house anyway, saying, "Don't be afraid; just believe and she will be healed." (v. 50) He arrives to find family and friends "wailing and mourning" over the girls death. He tells them, "stop wailing... She is not dead but asleep." (v. 52) Well, they knew full well that she had died and in their disbelief, they they laughed at Him. So, He left the mockers outside and only let the girls' parents, Peter, James and John go into the house with Him. It was as if the nay-sayers didn't deserve to see the miracle. Jesus "took her by the hand and said, 'My child, get up!' Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up." (v. 54-55)

After Jesus brought the girl back to life, God's Word says her parents were astonished. This word "astonished" comes from the Greek word "existemi" which literally means standing outside of  yourself. Her parents must have felt like they were dreaming, unable to take their experience in or wrap their minds around what they had seen. They had been privileged to see Jesus perform a miracle! Then Jesus gives them strict orders to "not tell anyone what had happened." (v. 56)

What? Not tell anyone what happened? It would be obvious since the funeral was cancelled and the mourners went home, for their daughter was back among the living. The news would no doubt spread on its own -- it just wouldn't be their responsibility to tell. Her healing would speak for itself and no doubt, point people to Jesus. Sometimes, as is with this case and has been in some of my own, God does something so sacred it's not meant for a public audience. Sometimes it's only meant for a select few. You see, private healing has transforming power.

Thank You Jesus that You have the power to heal. You have the power to raise the dead -- both the physically and spiritually dead. And in so doing, You transform lives. Thank You for transforming mine. Because of You, I have freedom and I have life, and have it abundantly. Please continue to use the work You've done in my life to point people to You! In Jesus' name, amen.