Torridge Coastal Mission Community

Reflection from Rev Hilary Kemp

Luke 8.40-56 40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 ‘Who touched me?’ Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.’ 46 But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.’ 7 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.’ 9 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ he said. ‘Don’t bother the teacher anymore.’ 50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.’ 51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. ‘Stop wailing,’ Jesus said. ‘She is not dead but asleep.’ 53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, ‘My child, get up!’ 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened. (NIV)

Reflection

There’s something wonderfully human about this passage. It’s full of interruption, emotion, waiting, fear, hope, and ordinary people desperately needing help.

Jairus comes to Jesus in desperation. His daughter is dying, he is beside himself with love and urgency. Then, on the way to Jairus’ house, everything stops because of another person in need: a woman who has been suffering quietly for years reaches out just to touch Jesus’ cloak.

You can almost feel Jairus’ frustration in the delay. Time matters when your child is ill. Yet Jesus pauses. He notices the unnoticed woman. He listens to her story. He calls her “Daughter” - a word full of kindness and belonging.

And then comes the devastating news: Jairus’ daughter has died.

At that point, most people would assume the story is over. But Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

Those words are easier to read than to live.

Many of us know what it feels like to carry worries that seem too heavy, prayers that feel unanswered, or situations that appear beyond hope. This passage reminds us that Jesus is never rushed, never absent, and never powerless - even when circumstances seem final.

I also love the tenderness of the ending. After raising the girl to life, Jesus tells her parents to give her something to eat. It’s such an ordinary detail after such an extraordinary miracle. It reminds us that God’s care is often found both in the dramatic moments and in the simple, practical acts of everyday love.

Perhaps that’s something to hold onto this week: Jesus sees people others overlook, hears the cries we barely speak aloud, and brings hope into places that seem beyond repair. And sometimes his grace arrives not with noise and spectacle, but gently - one touch, one word, one meal at a time.

The Collect (Additional)

Risen, ascended Lord, as we rejoice at your triumph, fill your Church on earth with power and compassion, that all who are estranged by sin may find forgiveness and know your peace, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000) (including the Psalter as published with Common Worship), material from which is included here, is copyright ©The Archbishops' Council 2000

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