Insights from the Fifth Gospel for Preaching This Sunday's Lectionary Text

The lectionary text for July 1st is Mark 5:21-43.  Upon returning to the Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was presented with two desperate situations, the impending death of a twelve year-old girl and a woman who had been hemorrhaging for twelve years.  In detailing Jesus' response to these in need, Mark proclaimed that Jesus has power over disease and death.

Obviously, the preacher has a choice to make as to which of the two circumstances to address.  I am choosing to draw lessons from the land regarding the plight of the older woman:

• Upon landing near Magadan on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was met by a waiting crowd.  In the crowd was Jairus, the leader of Capernaum's synagogue.  His daughter was near death.
• On the way to assist Jairus' daughter, Jesus sensed power "leaving him."  Upon questioning as to who touched him, the crowd was bemused given the jostling taking place.
• The practice of medicine in the 1st century left much to be desired and had rendered a woman in the crowd desperate and "broke" enough to side-step well-defined boundaries.  Women and men could not have physical contact in public.  She cared not; she had suffered for twelve years.  She was determined to touch the hem of His garment (prayer shawl).
• If some in the early church were correct, another boundary she crossed was that separating Jew and Gentile.  This ancient source identified the woman as a Gentile from Caesarea Philippi.  She even dared to touch a Jewish male in hopes for a cure.
• No doubt, this female "outsider" had heard and recognized something quite different about this Jesus.  He not only had power to heal, but He dared to confirm God's power as sufficient for all persons, especially this new "daughter."
• Jesus then continued on to the home of Jairus where He interrupted a funeral dirge, evoking laughter by announcing that the young girl was not dead.  He raised her.

The woman and her story are memorialized in the new Encounter Chapel at Magdala.  This painting is a must-see on your visit.