Jairus’ daughter and the woman who touched Jesus’ cloak Luke 8:40-56
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
A crowd is made up of many people, each with a unique story, outlook on life and needs. So it was with the crowd that welcomed Jesus this day. They came for many reasons, some for healing, others to listen to his teaching. Jostling to get close to him, many bumped against each other and even against Jesus. It was hard to keep feet on the ground.
Now Jesus had stopped walking as he listened to Jairus, well known to the people as the Synagogue official. Some of the people who knew his family heard the sad news of the serious illness of his daughter. If anyone deserved a miracle, it was this man. ‘I beg you, come and save my daughter!’ pleaded Jairus. Jesus immediately turned and began to follow him.
But then there was confusion somewhere in the crowd. A woman had her hand on the hem of Jesus’ cloak and was crying. As Jesus stopped and turned, she dropped the robe and tried to melt back into the crowd. ‘Who touched me?’ asked Jesus as he looked around.
Meantime, Jairus was waiting anxiously. ‘O Jesus, please, please come! There isn’t much time!’ Then he saw some of his servants approaching with obvious bad news.
At the same time, the woman came forward to Jesus and told her story, how she had been ill for twelve years and knew that if she could touch even his cloak, she would be healed. ‘And I am healed!’ she said. ‘Yes,’ said Jesus. ‘I knew that power had gone out from me. Go in peace, my good lady. Your faith has saved you.’
Turning back to Jairus, Jesus saw the messengers with him, telling him that his daughter was dead. Jesus turned to Jairus, encouraging him to trust that all would be well. Arriving at the house, Jesus took three disciples and the child’s parents into the little girl’s room. It was obvious that she was dead. But Jesus took her hand and told her to get up. And so she did! Overwhelming joy on the face of the parents, utter amazement on the apostles’, and Jesus, practical as ever, asked the servants to give her something to eat.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· God’s time is not our time. Our prayers are not always answered immediately. Can I trust that God knows better than I do the proper time and place for events to occur?
· The woman had been ill for twelve years. Jairus’ daughter was twelve years old. There seems to be a connection here. We are all interconnected.
· How do I cope with interruptions in my day, in my life?
Prayer
Lord, increase my faith in you. When I have been praying for something for a long time, give me perseverance. When things seem hopeless, increase my trust in you. Open me to recognise the needs of others and to respond as I am able. Amen.