Matthew 9:18-19

Matthew 9:18-19

[18] While he  spake  unto them,  behold,  there came  a certain  ruler,  and worshipped  him,  saying,  daughter  is even now  dead:  but  come  and lay  hand  upon  her,  and  she shall live.  [19] And  Jesus  arose,  and followed  him,  and  so did his  disciples. 

What does Matthew 9:18-19 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

This incident evidently happened shortly after Jesus and His disciples returned from Gadara on the east side of the lake (cf. Mark 5:21-22; Luke 8:40-41). The name of this Capernaum synagogue ruler was Jairus ( Mark 5:22). He was a Jew who enjoyed considerable prestige in his community. It is noteworthy that someone of his standing believed in Jesus. This ruler humbly knelt before Jesus with a request (cf. Matthew 2:2; Matthew 8:2). According to Matthew he announced that his daughter had just died. Mark and Luke have him saying that she was near death. Since she died before Jesus reached her, Matthew evidently condensed the story to present at the outset what was really true before Jesus reached his house. [1]
The ruler had probably seen or heard of Jesus" acts of healing with a touch (e.g, Matthew 8:2; Matthew 8:15). However, his faith was not as strong as the centurion"s who believed that Jesus could heal with a word ( Matthew 8:5-13). Jesus arose from reclining at the table and proceeded to follow the ruler to his house. Here is another instance where the verb akoloutheo, "to follow," does not imply discipleship (cf. Matthew 8:23). Context must determine its meaning, not the word itself.