Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So [Jesus] went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. 25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind [Him] in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in [her] body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” 35 While He was still speaking, [some] came from the ruler of the synagogue’s [house] who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” 40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those [who were] with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years [of age]. And they were overcome with great amazement. 43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that [something] should be given her to eat.

– Mark 5:21-43 (NKJV)

Twelve years ago, a baby girl was born to a prominent family. They watched her giggle and grow and were blessed by her presence every day. Her smiles brought beauty into the world and her personality brightened their day. Her daddy, Jairus, loved her very much. She was a big part of his world. But today she is a very sick little girl. Her bright smile has been replaced by a painful grimace. She hurts. Her tears and fever wet the pillow her head has been lying on. Her father knows that she needs immediate help. The local doctors say there is nothing they can do for her and she will most likely die soon. He’s been up pacing the village praying and hoping for a solution and then he sees Jesus. He has heard about this man and so he comes and falls down at his feet asking for his help.

Twelve years ago, another family across town was affected in another way. A woman began to bleed and couldn’t stop it. She went to all the doctors. None of them had answers. She tried folk remedies and medicines, nothing worked. Her issue was disgusting and made even her household chores impossible to do. She was weak. People didn’t understand her sickness and it caused her to be an outcast. Then she sees Jesus passing by and has heard of the people he has healed and so she cautiously plots to get close enough, just to touch him as he passes by.

I find the contrast of these people interesting. One is a child, the other an adult. One has had her condition for a long time, the other seems very sudden. One comes from a prominent family, the other seems to be an outcast. One has an advocate, a father who comes on her behalf, the other just simply seeks to touch Jesus as he passes by… but what do they have in common? They have a need and they come in faith that Jesus can do something about it… and he does! He does! He does more than we can ever think or imagine. He does more than we had ever hoped. He stops to speak to the bashful outcast and assures her of her healing. He goes to the little girl and brings her back from the clutches of death! He answers both exactly where there needs arise and blesses them with healing… the touching moment that brought tears to my eyes reading this morning is that he calls the woman, “Daughter.” She was loved too!

What Jesus has done in just a few minutes in this small town is to give us all a glimpse of the jubilation, peace, and security that is found in the Kingdom of God. I hope this passage provokes your heart to worship today and longing for the presence of God where all these worries are put to rest.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. We are grateful for how you worked in the lives of these two daughters. We are grateful for the life you bring to hopeless situations. We are grateful for your kingdom and pray for it to come in it’s fullness and we seek for your will to be done. Please guide us in your will and direction for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.