We do not know whether Jairus’ daughter was already dead when he first approached Jesus. Luke tells us that she was Jairus’ only child and about twelve years old, and according to both Mark and Luke, she was already lying on her deathbed by the time her father left in search of Jesus. On the way back, a servant confirms that she has already died. Matthew, however, simply says that Jairus told Jesus that she had died. Matthew is stressing the power of Jesus to conduct miracles—even to raise the dead.
It cannot be known whether she had already been dead when Jairus first approached Jesus. In his Gospel Luke tells us that the girl was Jairus’ only child and that she was about twelve years old, and according to both Mark and Luke she was already lying on her deathbed by the time her father left in search of Jesus. On the way back a servant then approaches them confirming him that the girl had already died. Matthew, however, simply states that Jairus informed Jesus that she had died. The emphasis here in this Gospel therefore falls strongly on the power of Jesus to conduct miracles: that he is even able to resurrect the dead.1
18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”