She's Only Sleeping

May 2, 2023

Mark 5:35-43 | Acts 20:7-12

They laughed at Jesus when he said it: “She’s only sleeping.”

There are, in fact, several statements or actions made by Jesus in this story that could be considered laughable if viewed through human reason alone.

“Don’t be afraid…just keep trusting.”

“He gave them strict orders not to tell anyone [that a little dead girl was alive again].”

“Then he told them to give her something to eat.”

The way of Jesus - both in this gospel and today - can be laughable, indeed. You really can’t blame someone for walking the other way when considering the strict facts alone. But Jesus continues to surprise and go against conventional wisdom, inviting any and all into the joy of his work.

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Mark 5:35-43

While Jesus was still speaking with her, messengers came from the synagogue leader’s house, saying to Jairus, “Your daughter has died. Why bother the teacher any longer?”

But Jesus overheard their report and said to the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid; just keep trusting.” He didn’t allow anyone to follow him except Peter, James, and John, James’ brother. They came to the synagogue leader’s house, and he saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “What’s all this commotion and crying about? The child isn’t dead. She’s only sleeping.” They laughed at him, but he threw them all out. Then, taking the child’s parents and his disciples with him, he went to the room where the child was. Taking her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Young woman, get up.” Suddenly the young woman got up and began to walk around. She was 12 years old. They were shocked! He gave them strict orders that no one should know what had happened. Then he told them to give her something to eat.

Acts 20:7-12

On the first day of the week, as we gathered together for a meal, Paul was holding a discussion with them. Since he was leaving the next day, he continued talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we had gathered. A young man named Eutychus was sitting in the window. He was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell from the third floor and died. Paul went down, fell on him and embraced him, then said, “Don’t be alarmed. He’s alive!” Then Paul went back upstairs and ate. He talked for a long time—right up until daybreak—then he left. They took the young man away alive, and they were greatly comforted.

Prayer

God,

Put me to what you will today. I don’t imagine I’d have the opportunity or responsibility to raise someone from the dead today (but I’m willing if you need me to!). However, I do want to be your vessel of life today. Give me vision for seeing dead things live again. Give me the power to make it happen.

What I’m asking is to be a locus of hope and change, to bring your spirit-filling life and light to situations others would consider to be otherwise lifeless and hopeless.

Make your liberating good news to be on my lips and in my actions.

By your spirit & in Christ,

Amen.