What does Luke 8:41 mean?
Jesus has returned to Galilee after a quick trip to the other side of the sea (Luke 8:22–39). Once again (Luke 8:19), a crowd mobs Him, one so great they are "pressed around him" (Luke 8:42), most likely trying to touch Him so they can be healed (Luke 6:19). Jairus may be a respected leader of the local synagogue, but he is no less desperate. His young daughter is dying.Synagogues were gathering places where Jews read Scriptures—the Old Testament—and discussed the text. They did not have a sole religious leader, like a typical modern church, but they did have an administrator. The ruler—or rulers (Mark 5:22)—was responsible for maintaining the facilities; ensuring the scrolls were in order; choosing who would read, pray, and teach; and making sure the teaching was not heretical.
As a synagogue leader, Jairus occupies a high social position. He must also know the issues other synagogue members have had with Jesus (Luke 6:6–11). When his child falls deathly ill, however, none of the controversy matters. Jairus isn't unique. People today may reject God for any number of reasons including pride or rejection of His authority. Sometimes it takes a situation we can't control to finally submit to the one who can.