Friday 16th May
Read Mark 5:21-24a; 35-43
“When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered round him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, ‘My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.’ 24 So Jesus went with him.
While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ they said. ‘Why bother the teacher anymore?’ 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’ 37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, ‘Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.’ 40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum!’ (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.” (NIVUK)
The touch of Jesus brings life. Jairus knew this and requested Jesus lay hands on her to heal her. Informed of her death Jesus calmly told them to have faith. At Jesus’ word death becomes sleep and life is restored.
The act of touching another is the most personal of the senses. Mark emphasises the intimacy of the scene. Jesus calls for calm and quiet, takes only a few people with Him, speaks without histrionics and gives simple instructions to provide some food for the restored girl.
The laying on of hands became an important tradition in the early church both to pass on blessing and to signify prayer and healing. As in most things the church models its practices off Jesus.
