Listen

When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Mark 5:38-43

Think

When Jesus, the three disciples, and Jairus arrived at Jairus’ house, Jesus, who had been very comforting just minutes before, spoke in a seemingly insensitive manner. “What’s all this commotion and crying about? The child isn’t dead. She’s only sleeping.” Then, while the house full of people was laughing at him, he threw them out.

Jesus then took the girl’s hand and instructed her to get up. When she walked around the house, her parents and the four disciples were shocked, and then Jesus gave them strict instructions not to tell anyone what happened.

This is a rather confusing story of healing, yet as Christians two thousand years on the other side of this text, it is a refreshing reminder that, even then, disciples and synagogue leaders alike were trying to figure out just who Jesus was and exactly what kind of power he possessed.

Ashley-Anne Masters

Pray

God of all things I do not fully comprehend, thank you for sending your child to heal me, teach me, and challenge me. Amen.

Go

Go now with anticipation that God may, in the most surprising moment, bring to you the healing you seek, the wholeness you desire. May this be your prayer:

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14)