J esus gave hope where there seemed to be no human cause for it because his hope was directed to God. He spoke words of hope to the woman (Take heart, daughter!) to ignite the spark of faith in her (your faith has made you well!). And he also gave divine hope to a father who had just lost a beloved child. It took considerable courage and risk for the ruler of a synagogue to openly go to Jesus and to invite the scorn of his neighbors and kin.


M atthew 9:18-26 While he was thus speaking to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your  hand on her, and she will live." (19) And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. (20) And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; (21) for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." (22) Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well.  (23) And when Jesus came to the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, (24) he said, "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. (25) But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. (26) And the report of this went through all that district.


* Meditation by Don Schwager

 

Jesus gave hope where there seemed to be no human cause for it because his hope was directed to God. He spoke words of hope to the woman (Take heart, daughter!) to ignite the spark of faith in her (your faith has made you well!). And he also gave divine hope to a father who had just lost a beloved child. It took considerable courage and risk for the ruler of a synagogue to openly go to Jesus and to invite the scorn of his neighbors and kin.  Even the hired mourners laughed at him in scorn. Their grief was devoid of any hope. Nonetheless, Jesus took the girl by the hand and delivered her from the grasp of death. In both instances we see Jesus' personal concern for the needs of others and his readiness to heal and restore life.