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| INSIGHTS FROM SCRIPTURE: There are a number of things worth noting about this passage. In the Jewish culture of that day, families who could afford it would hire mourners during the hard times, such as the one that Jarius’ family was going through. This is important to know so we do not mistake the family’s tears with the mourner’s tears, for it was the mourners who were able to laugh at Jesus when he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” Leviticus 15:25-30 states a law pertaining to the woman Luke wrote about. The law says, “If a woman has a discharge of blood unrelated to her physical cycle, she is considered unclean.” A woman possessing this condition contaminated everything she touched, and would be considered an alien in her own home, in society, and at the synagogue. According to the law, Jesus would be unclean if she touched him, and he would have to wash his clothes and take a bath. However, “the one who gave the law is above the law”—God gave the law and God/Jesus cannot be contaminated by those who violate the law. This detail helps us better understand the woman’s bravery and the fact that with Jesus, there are no barriers. Several other factors stand out. First, we can see the power of touch. The contact with the woman was personal, for Jesus knew he had been touched, and he wanted to meet the person who had received his power. Their encounter was made possible by the woman’s faith. Jesus said to the woman “Your faith has made you well; go in peace.” This is the same blessing Jesus gave to the prostitute who had anointed him with oil (Luke 7:50). Continued... |
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