Tuesday 15 July, 2014

18 While Jesus was saying this, a ruler came. He got down on his knees in front of Jesus. He said, “My daughter has just died. But come and place your hand on her. Then she will live again.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him. So did his disciples. 20 Just then a woman came up behind Jesus. She had a sickness that made her bleed. It had lasted for 12 years. She touched the edge of his clothes. 21 She thought, “I only need to touch his clothes. Then I will be healed.” 22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Dear woman, don’t give up hope,” he said. “Your faith has healed you.” The woman was healed at that very moment. 23 When Jesus entered the ruler’s house, he saw the flute players there. And he saw the noisy crowd. 24 He said, “Go away. The girl is not dead. She is sleeping.” But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been sent outside, Jesus went in. He took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News about what Jesus had done spread all over that area.

I love all the contrasts in this passage … 2 people in the same town, one a ruler (some versions say of the synagogue & therefore assume “righteous”) he was socially prominent, the other a woman, socially low, probably outcast and religiously “unclean”. Both have amazing faith in Jesus. One for Jesus to come and touch his dead daughter and the other to only just touch His clothing. Both story’s involve touch – one by Jesus one to Jesus. Both want restoration.

So many contrasts and yet the same response from Jesus. I love the inclusiveness that this passage gives us & the Grace of God it shows. Jesus responds to the faith of both. This passage reminds me that there is no discrimination in Jesus, the common ground both these individuals held was faith and the desire for restoration. Nothing in the person of who I am, or the method in how it is done but just my heart belief that Jesus can restore me.

Lord, thank you that you alone are so inclusive, thank you for your grace and that as I come to you in faith, your response to me is just right for my situation.

Written by Suzie Hodgson