Unlike the woman with a hemorrhage that Jesus had cured only moments before, this young girl (in Mark 5:21-43) had advocates. She had a family and a father who loved her. At only 12, she was on the verge of womanhood and the hopes of passing on the family name, wealth and traditions were dependent on her well-being. Perhaps she was even preparing for her Bat Mitzvah! Her father was a synagogue official who knew to summon help from the healing rabbi.
By the time Jesus arrives, the funeral musicians are already causing a commotion and everyone has given up hope. But Jesus respects the bonds of family. Jesus knows Jarius is a faithful Jewish father, much like his own Joseph. Jesus sees the love and concern this father has as he falls at his feet pleading for his daughter.
“Do not be afraid. Just have faith.”
When he gets to the house, he sends all the noisy neighbors away and restores peace to the home. He says “Do not be afraid. Just have faith.” He takes only his closest disciples (Peter, James and John) and the parents into the girl’s room. Those who loved and those who were learning about Divine Love. And then he speaks: Little girl, arise! (Talitha koum). Like the bleeding woman, the girl is not named. We can all be her. We can all be dead or asleep, going through the motions of life.
But then Jesus says “Arise!” and we see with new eyes. We take on our mission. We move with the Holy Spirit. We come alive.
The original painting is 16×20″ and acrylic on wood panel. It is available at The Sacred Art Gallery in Mesa, AZ.
Prints and other gifts are available in my Fine Art America-Pixels shops.
