Monday, February 25, 2008

The sheer audacity of Jesus! I mean, really, hasn't he read funeral etiquette 101?

I was reading through Mk 5 today and every time I read it I am struck by the way in which Jesus conducts himself at the funeral of Jairus' daughter. She is dead, the narrative makes it crystal clear....
35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.

People had begun to mourn for her
38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.

But then in walks Jesus,
39 And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why are you making a commotion and weeping?

I'm sorry Jesus, it is natural to weep and have a bit of commotion at a FUNERAL!
The child is not dead but sleeping." 40 And they laughed at him.


Not sure if I would laugh or be outraged by this outrageous comment!
But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

This incident is the climax of events that begins in 4:35 with Jesus' demonstrating his authority firstly over nature, seconldy over the supernatural in the curing of the many demons and finally here over death. It is no wonder that the question that reverberates through this part is the question -WHO IS JESUS? His actions around this dead girl are mind boggling....it is certainly not good funeral etiquette! A full revelation of his identity is not until ch8, but we the reader have already glimpsed his identity from the opening verse and his baptism.

1 comment:

Guthers said...

wow! 3 posts in one day? this blog has taken off!

keep up the good work dave