Reading 6—United by a Shared Savior
Read Mark 5:1-43
The fifth chapter of Mark’s Gospel presents us with three healing miracles that could not be more different from one another. We have, first, the healing of the demon-possessed man in the country of the Gerasenes, a Gentile region on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Next, we have the healing of the daughter of a respected leader of the synagogue, Jairus. Finally, on the way to raise Jairus’ daughter, we have the healing of an unnamed woman who had been ritually unclean for twelve years. What do these people have in common? If you were to put them in a room together, what would they talk about? A demon-possessed man living in a cemetery outside a Gentile town, a prominent and respected leader of a synagogue and his twelve-year-old daughter, and a desperate woman who had spent all she had on doctors? That would be a strange group to bring together, wouldn’t it? Before they encountered Jesus, it is hard to imagine them finding anything to discuss with each other. But after they have been transformed by Jesus’ healing power, they have something incredible in common, and it is easy to imagine them having an animated discussion about their miraculous healings and the man who changed their lives.
Isn’t that true of us as well? We might wonder, on any given Sunday morning, what we have in common with those with whom we are worshiping. Churches bring together people from dramatically different backgrounds, and it would be easy to describe all the ways that we are different from one another. But just like the people in this section of Mark’s gospel, what we have in common is that we have been touched by the healing love of our Savior. So let’s talk about it!
The demoniac healed by Jesus wants to go with Jesus but is told to “go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” What might you tell your friends about what the Lord has done for you?
The women healed by Jesus has the courage to come through the crowd and touch Jesus’ clothes in the hope of being made well. Who in your community might be trying overcome obstacles in order to be touched by Jesus’ love?
Heavenly Father, while we who turn to you in prayer are very different from one another, we have all been brought together by the healing love of your Son. Help us to share that love with all those around us, especially those who long to believe it, but struggle to receive it. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Rev. James E. Laurence began his ministry as Pastor of First Lutheran Church of Albemarle in February 2018, after having served the previous sixteen years in the South Carolina Synod. He and his family are enjoying getting to know the places and the people in Stanly County and around the Tar Heel State. He is married to Karen, and together they have two children, Katie and Matthew.
