Matthew 9:19

KJV

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and [so did] his disciples.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} arose {G1453}, and followed {G190} him {G846}, and {G2532} so did his {G846} disciples {G3101}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua, with his talmidim, got up and followed him.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jesus got up and went with him, along with His disciples.

American Standard Version

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:19 succinctly captures Jesus' immediate and compassionate response to the desperate plea of Jairus, a synagogue ruler, whose daughter lay dying. This pivotal verse highlights Jesus' swift willingness to intervene in human suffering and underscores the active participation of His disciples in His ministry, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to follow their Master's example.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Jairus's urgent appeal to Jesus](/matthew/9-18 "Matthew 9:18 - Jairus's Plea"), where the synagogue ruler, despite his esteemed position, humbly prostrates himself before Jesus, begging Him to come and lay hands on his dying daughter. Jesus' action in [Matthew 9:19](/matthew/9-19 "Matthew 9:19 - Jesus Responds to Jairus") is His affirmative and swift response to this desperate request, showcasing His profound empathy and readiness to intervene. The narrative then seamlessly transitions into the account of the woman with the issue of blood, who interrupts Jesus' journey to Jairus's house, demonstrating Jesus' accessibility and power even amidst other pressing engagements, as detailed in [Matthew 9:20-22](/matthew/9-20-22 "Matthew 9:20-22 - Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood"). This interlude serves to further emphasize Jesus' divine authority and compassion before He finally reaches Jairus's home to perform the miracle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, a "ruler of the synagogue" (ἀρχισυνάγωγος, _archisynagōgos_) like Jairus held a position of significant local authority and respect. His public prostration before Jesus, a traveling rabbi with no formal institutional authority, was an extraordinary act of humility and desperation, indicating his profound belief in Jesus' unique power. Jewish culture at the time held strong beliefs about ritual purity, sickness, and death. Touching a dead body or someone with a chronic illness (like the woman with the issue of blood) would render one ritually unclean (see [Numbers 19:11-13](/numbers/19-11-13 "Numbers 19:11-13 - Laws of Uncleanness from the Dead")), yet Jesus consistently demonstrated a disregard for these ceremonial boundaries when it came to compassion and healing, prioritizing human need over strict adherence to external regulations. His willingness to go to a dying girl's house, and later to raise her, challenged prevailing notions of impurity and the finality of death.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 9:19](/matthew/9-19 "Matthew 9:19 - Jesus' Immediate Action") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Jesus' **immediate compassion and divine authority**. He does not hesitate or delay, but "arose, and followed him," underscoring His profound empathy and readiness to respond to urgent needs, even those involving death, which was considered the ultimate enemy. This exemplifies a responsive and caring Savior who is always attentive to human suffering, a theme echoed in His healing ministry throughout [Matthew 8-9](/matthew/8 "Matthew 8 - Jesus' Miracles"). Secondly, the verse highlights **active discipleship**. The phrase "and so did his disciples" shows that the disciples were not passive observers but active participants in Jesus' ministry. They followed their Master's example, learning firsthand about compassion, faith, and the nature of God's kingdom work. This mirrors the initial call to "follow me" that Jesus issued to His first disciples in [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls the First Disciples"), now seen in active service and practical obedience. The narrative also subtly reinforces the theme of **divine intervention in human suffering**, as Jesus' journey signifies His intent to conquer sickness and death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb, G1453, literally means "to waken" or "to rouse." While it can refer to waking from sleep or rising from a seated position, in this context, it conveys a decisive and immediate action, a prompt "getting up" or "standing up" in response to Jairus's plea. It signifies Jesus' intentional and swift movement, indicating a readiness to act without hesitation.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** G190 means "to be in the same way with" or "to accompany," specifically as a disciple. Intriguingly, here it is Jesus who is following Jairus, illustrating His humility and willingness to go where He is called to serve. This term is frequently used to describe the disciples' act of following Jesus, but its application to Jesus in this instance emphasizes His servant-hearted nature and His active engagement with human need.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** G3101, derived from a word meaning "to learn," refers to a "learner" or "pupil." The mention of "his disciples" indicates that Jesus was not alone, but consistently accompanied by those who were learning from Him. Their presence signifies the ongoing process of their training, as they observe Jesus' compassion, power, and methods of ministry, preparing them for their future roles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus arose,"**: This clause emphasizes Jesus' immediate and decisive action. Upon hearing Jairus's desperate request, Jesus does not deliberate or delay. The act of "arising" signifies a transition from a state of rest or teaching to one of active engagement and purposeful movement towards the need. It underscores His readiness and willingness to respond to human suffering.
* **"and followed him,"**: This phrase highlights Jesus' humility and responsiveness. Instead of commanding Jairus to bring his daughter to Him, Jesus personally goes with Jairus. This act of "following" demonstrates His servant leadership and His profound empathy, showing He is willing to enter into the very space of human pain and desperation. It is a powerful illustration of His willingness to meet people where they are.
* **"and [so did] his disciples."**: This concluding clause reveals the active involvement of Jesus' followers. They are not mere spectators but participants in His ministry. Their presence signifies their ongoing commitment to Jesus and their practical training in discipleship. By accompanying Jesus, they witness His compassion, authority, and the unfolding of God's kingdom work firsthand, learning by example how to respond to urgent needs and engage in ministry.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Immediacy** is a prominent feature, conveyed through the rapid succession of actions: Jesus "arose" and "followed," indicating a swift and unhesitating response. This quick pace mirrors the urgency of Jairus's plea. **Understatement** is also present in the simple phrase "and so did his disciples." While brief, it subtly conveys the consistent presence and active participation of Jesus' followers, implying their unwavering commitment without needing to elaborate. The narrative also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing the high-ranking synagogue ruler's desperate humility against Jesus' humble willingness to "follow" him, rather than demand that Jairus bring his daughter. This highlights Jesus' counter-cultural approach to power and service. Finally, the verse functions as a **Transition**, marking the beginning of Jesus' journey to Jairus's house, which will be interrupted by another significant miracle, building narrative tension and expectation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:19 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of God's responsiveness to human need and the active nature of faith. Jesus' immediate action demonstrates that God is not distant or indifferent to suffering but is intimately involved and ready to intervene. His willingness to go to Jairus's house, despite the potential ritual impurity associated with death, underscores His mission to bring life and healing, transcending human limitations and religious conventions. Furthermore, the disciples' accompanying Jesus serves as a powerful model of active, engaged discipleship, where following Christ means participating in His compassionate mission in the world.

* [Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40-42 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus Heals a Leper"): Jesus' immediate compassion and willingness to touch and heal the leper, despite the social and ritual implications, mirrors His readiness to respond to Jairus.
* [Luke 10:33-34](/luke/10-33-34 "Luke 10:33-34 - The Good Samaritan's Compassion"): The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the active and immediate compassion that believers are called to show towards those in need, echoing Jesus' own example.
* [John 13:14-15](/john/13-14-15 "John 13:14-15 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet"): Jesus models servant leadership, instructing His disciples to follow His example of humble service, which is exemplified by His willingness to "follow" Jairus.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:19 offers a powerful blueprint for contemporary believers, urging us to embody the compassionate and responsive nature of Christ in our daily lives. Just as Jesus did not hesitate to respond to Jairus's plea, we are called to cultivate a heart that is attentive and swift to act in the face of human suffering and urgent needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive sympathy to active empathy, recognizing that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic force that compels us to tangible acts of love and service. It reminds us that our discipleship is not confined to personal piety but extends to actively joining Jesus in His ongoing mission of bringing hope, healing, and restoration to a broken world. We are invited to be co-laborers with Christ, learning from His example of humility, responsiveness, and unwavering compassion, allowing His Spirit to empower us to be His hands and feet in our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community am I being called to respond with immediate compassion, like Jesus did for Jairus?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to "follow" Jairus challenge my own understanding of leadership and service?**
* **In what ways am I actively participating in Jesus' mission, rather than merely observing from a distance?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to put my faith into action, demonstrating the kind of responsiveness seen in Matthew 9:19?**

### FAQ

**Why is it significant that Jesus "arose" and "followed" Jairus?**

Answer: The significance lies in the immediacy and humility of Jesus' action. "Arose" (G1453, _egeírō_) signifies a decisive and prompt movement, indicating Jesus' unhesitating readiness to respond to a desperate plea. He doesn't delay or send someone else. Furthermore, His act of "following" (G190, _akolouthéō_) Jairus, a man who had prostrated himself before Him, demonstrates profound humility. Instead of demanding that the sick girl be brought to Him, Jesus goes to her, entering the space of suffering. This highlights His servant-hearted nature and His personal engagement with human need, contrasting with typical power dynamics. It underscores that Jesus meets people where they are, in their moments of greatest vulnerability.

**What does the inclusion of "his disciples" tell us about their role?**

Answer: The mention of "his disciples" (G3101, _mathētḗs_) indicates that they were not passive observers but active participants in Jesus' ministry. Their presence signifies their ongoing training and commitment to following Jesus. By accompanying Him, they witnessed firsthand His compassion, His authority over sickness and death, and His methods of engaging with people. This practical experience was crucial for their development as future apostles and leaders of the early church. It emphasizes that discipleship involves not just learning from Jesus' teachings but also imitating His actions and participating in His mission, as seen in [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Gives Authority to His Disciples").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:19, in its depiction of Jesus' immediate and compassionate response to the plea for a dying girl, profoundly foreshadows His ultimate mission and identity as the Christ. Jesus' willingness to "arise and follow" Jairus, entering into the realm of sickness and impending death, prefigures His own descent into the depths of human suffering and mortality. He is the one who willingly "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), coming to meet humanity in its utter brokenness. His journey to Jairus's house, which culminates in the raising of the dead girl, is a powerful microcosm of His redemptive work on the cross and His resurrection. Just as He brings life to Jairus's daughter, He ultimately conquers death itself, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). The disciples' presence, following their Master, also points to the ongoing mission of the church, called to participate in Christ's compassionate work, proclaiming the good news of the One who has overcome sin and death, and inviting others to follow the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Matthew 8:7

And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

John 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.