Sunday 4th December
Read Luke 8:49-56
“While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ he said. ‘Don’t bother the teacher anymore.’
50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.’
51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. ‘Stop wailing,’ Jesus said. ‘She is not dead but asleep.’
53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, ‘My child, get up!’ 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.” (NIVUK)
There are many acts that render one ‘unclean’ according to the Torah – most of which relate to loss of life in some way. Some of them we may find archaic and, in today’s politically correct world, embarrassing. But the truth that sits behind them is important to reflect on. Life is precious. Life is a gift from a holy God. Life is found in Him. To be associated with its opposite, the loss of life (be that by blood or spirit), separates us from Him and warrants pause.
The two episodes we have read recently provide immense encouragement and hope for a people who are separated from the life found in Him. In Jesus, God with us, His power flows out unbidden to restore people and make them clean (v40-48) and impart holiness and wholeness. He is not concerned by the shibboleths around becoming unclean by touching the dead, for He is life in Himself. This is clearest in what seems a minor narrative detail in the raising of this little girl. ‘But he took her by the hand…’ (v54a). He touched her. No fear in, or of, death there. Death is mere sleep to the One who commands life and wholeness.
That is what it means for God to be ‘with us’. Immanuel indeed!
