Day #2730

June 22, 2021 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Mark 5:39-40a: When [Jesus] had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. (NRSV)

A leader of the synagogue has approached Jesus, begging him repeatedly to come with him to his daughter and heal her. She is near death and Jairus, the leader, is desperate for Jesus’ help. Not surprisingly, Jesus goes with him. However, on the way Jesus is somewhat delayed by another person in need and when he arrives at Jairus’ home, there is a commotion. The young girl is presumed dead. The healer is too late. 

So when Jesus declares she is not dead, but asleep, the mourners, family and friends laugh at him. They LAUGH at Jesus. 

My first thought were the numbers of nay-sayers who have laughed at Christians for centuries. Why would you believe in something you cannot prove? Isn’t faith just for those who are weak? Why would you give your time and money to something so flawed and human-filled? These, and many others, are things people say that seem to mean they are laughing at us. 

Perhaps we should think deeply on how Jesus responded to those who laughed. He was not deterred from his mission. He put the nay-sayers outside (I think so they would stop being a distraction) and went to the girl, taking along her parents and those who had come with him. Then he healed her. He did what he came to do. He did not try to convince those who laughed to believe. He did not let their ridicule sway him. No, he simply completed his mission. 

So can you imagine those who witnessed the miracle believed? I can. And the others? Well, they would either believe or not. Perhaps for some, Jesus could never do enough to convince them and they would always laugh at him. Yet, with Jesus’ love and grace, he never stopped trying. For that, I give thanks and praise. 

Blessings. And prayers.