Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
This passage contains a story within a story. Jesus is on the way to the home of Jairus, whose little daughter is ill. On the way there's an encounter with a sick woman. Her case is far less urgent; she has been bleeding for 12 years, while the girl is at the point of death. But Jesus won't let urgency dictate priorities: he seeks the woman out and talks to her.
Her problem is a physical one, with a spiritual dimension. She has been made ritually unclean by her condition, which meant that she couldn't attend the Temple and anyone who touched her was also unclean – the reason she sought to touch Jesus anonymously. Her isolation was deeply damaging to her. Jesus, rather than ignore her or express anger at her, connects with her.
When he arrives at Jairus' house, his daughter has died and the mourning has begun. Jesus turns sorrow into gladness; taking the dead girl's hand – another ritual contamination – he raises her to life.
Each case makes a point about the effect of Jesus' goodness. He is not made unclean by contact with the woman who had the flow of blood; instead, he cleanses her. He is not made unclean by contact with a dead body: he raises her.
Christians sometimes seem to feel that the best way of being holy is to keep well away from anything that might compromise or contaminate us. Jesus didn't do that. Instead of being infected by sin, he infected sinners with grace.
God, thank you that Jesus didn't keep his distance from us, but spent time with those whom others shunned. Help me to be a friend of sinners too.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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