When he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’” vs. 39
Mark 5:35-43
What Jesus said to the mourners at the synagogue leader’s home was crazy–and they knew it! That’s why they laughed at him! They knew the difference between death and sleep, and so do we. That’s why we mourn when someone dies–it’s the natural thing to do. Of course Jesus paid no attention, went into the child’s room, took her by the hand, and told her to get up. It was truly amazing for everyone who saw it–and ultimately the triumph of life over death became the central message of the gospel. It’s not that the natural processes of nature have been overturned. It’s still crazy to say that a dead person is only sleeping, but we’ve embraced the craziness and regularly hold celebrations of life for those who have died. And we’re not just memorializing a life well lived, we’re also celebrating the new life that is ours in Christ. Some continue to say that such a notion is laughable–in their minds dead is dead, and that’s the end of the story. Imagine their amazement when they come to the end of their lives and discover that there’s something more. And it’s even better than the resuscitation that Mark describes. What awaits is nothing less than resurrection, a new existence in a new creation! A new cosmic presence that transcends all understanding!
Thought for the Day: How will the new life be different?
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