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(iii) A Girl Restored to Life (Mark 5:35-43)
MARK 5:35-43
35 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?” 36 But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” 37 He allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 He came to the synagogue ruler’s house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing. 39 When he had entered in, he said to them, “Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep.” 40 They ridiculed him. But he, having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying. 41 Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha cumi!” which means, being interpreted, “Girl, I tell you, get up!” 42 Immediately the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.
Christ encouraged the faith of the ruler of the synagogue who was impatient, because his daughter was about to die. He was in a hurry to take Christ to his house, but Jesus stopped on the way to heal a poor woman, leaving the prominent person waiting that he, the ruler, might learn humility and meekness. Jesus’ delay proved to that expert in the Mosaic Law that Jesus was the true Christ who would not quench smoking flax, who does not prefer high dignitaries to others, but works in harmony with the faith of those who seek him, no matter how humble or great they may be.
The same moment at which Jesus healed the sick woman, the ruler’s daughter died. And then messengers came hastily from Jairus’ house and said resentfully to the ruler in a sad voice: “Leave this teacher who does not come in due time. Your daughter is dead.”
However, Jesus saw the glimpse of hope in the elder’s heart, and he encouraged it. He ordered him to overcome his despair, and believe in the Christ of God who was beside him. Thus, he educated him in his school of faith, and strengthened his hopeful courage by his word, for the word of God is the solid foundation of our faith. The ruler of the synagogue came trustfully with Jesus, and agreed to put out all those who cried loudly and wailed, for Christ’s victories can take place silently, in hearing his word which speaks in calmness more evidently than many wailers, criers, and trumpeters.
All those who were crying and wailing laughed at Jesus when he said that the girl was not dead but only sleeping, for if she were really sleeping she would wake up because of their noise.
Jesus Christ knew the mysteries of death and he rebuked it. He came, snatched its prey from its jaws, and called it only sleeping, for men are not changed by death to nothing, but remain reserved for the last judgment. They will rise either to heaven, or to hell. Where will you rise O man? Are you prepared for the last judgment?
When the noisy wailers who ridiculed Jesus had gone out of the house, Jesus, who is life itself, took the dead girl by the hand. Then the flow of his life went out from him, and rushed through her, and the power of his supernatural word filled the dead with life, so that she got up at once looking, at the people around her with wonder.
Her parents were overcome with amazement, and Jesus ordered them to give the young girl something to eat. Jesus did not deny the natural needs in our bodies, for he lived as a real man among us.
O man, Jesus is standing before you. If you are dead in sins he will take you by the hand and say to you: “Get up” calling you by name. Be aware that your God is standing before you, and offering you everlasting life. Listen to his voice, and believe his words that you may live in the power of his love. Get up and honor your Savior by following him always.
PRAYER: O Prince of life, and Light of heaven, you created us, purified us, forgave us our sins, and restored us from spiritual death. We worship you, and rejoice in the midst of sorrows, because you gave us everlasting hope, and fadeless joy. Our faith in you is not a dream, but brings your actual power to our hearts. Bless our friends, and raise them from their death in sins as you have raised us in grace. Amen.
QUESTION:
- What do we understand about the person of Jesus from his raising the dead girl?