Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 8:41-42

"And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus` feet, and besought him to come into his house; for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as he went the multitudes thronged him." — Luke 8:41-42 (ASV)

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

Notice the word "behold," for it was a wonder that a man so high in position came to Christ at all, especially one who was in an ecclesiastical position, for he "was a ruler of the synagogue."

Usually, those who had to do with the synagogue were great despisers of our Lord Jesus; God works great wonders, however, and sometimes the camel does go through the eye of the needle.

This man's name was Jairus, a common Jewish name, and you will find it was the name of one of the judges recorded in the book of Judges.

Note this man's humility: "He fell down at Jesus' feet." The greatest of men must humble themselves before they can obtain mercy.

Jesus Christ is always ready to receive, accept, and bless all those who fall down at His feet; but those who lift themselves up will find Him to be their sure and swift enemy, and the day will come when He will humble them to the dust.

"He besought him that he would come into his house, for he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a-dying." She seems to have been not only the darling of the house but also of all the neighbors, for we find that all the neighbors came together to weep and lament her.

Matthew says that this daughter was already dead. It seems that some delay arose, so the child died; but the father, with triumphant faith, still pleaded with Him to come and raise her, even from the very jaws of death.