Women Who Need Help – Read Luke 8: 40-58
Contemplation
As we sail back, there’s a huge crowd waiting for us. Shouting and pushing and crying, the smell of a crowd and the feel of sand under our feet again. The people are letting an important person through – he’s Jairus, and leads the community when they pray, but he’s very upset. He’s crying hard. “My daughter, my daughter, is sick!” Just then, there’s a rustle behind and a woman grabs Jesus’ clothes, holding on for all she’s worth. “Who touched me?” The disciples laugh. “EVERYONE touched you! We can’t breathe for the pushing and shoving.” “No, really! I can feel a special touch – which took power from me.”
The woman who held Jesus’ clothes looks up, she’s frightened but also … at peace somehow. “It was me! I was bleeding. For years and years I was bleeding and no one could help – but I knew that if I could only touch you everything would be alright… and it is. I’m better”. “Go in peace! Your faith has healed you”. But now people from the official’s house are here. “Don’t bother him any more! Your daughter’s dead.” Jairus breaks down, but Jesus is there, “Don’t be afraid, just have faith.” What?
Now he’s off to Jairus’ house, with crowds following. Jesus shoos them away, just taking Peter, James and John in. The house is full of grief, everyone is crying, and the tears echo through the house. “What’s this? She’s just sleeping!” Everyone laughs and mocks, but Jesus goes into her room with her parents. The body of the little girl lies on the bed. “Little girl, get up!” Groggily, she opens her eyes and rolls out of bed, walking like someone confused – but she’s amazed and excited. Everyone is shocked! “Don’t tell anyone,” says Jesus. ”Give her some food.”
Talk to Jesus, Jairus, the woman and the girl.
Have I had pains, hurts, worries that won’t go away no matter what I do?
What bits of me are dead?
Can I ask Jesus in – or even just reach out and touch him?