He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. Mark 5:40
Jesus could have said, “Wait outside.” He could have gone in to see the little girl alone. But no, he took Peter, James, John, and he beckons to the parents to come along too. The father and mother have each other, and the little girl has her parents. Jesus has his friends, and they have Jesus. Sorrow is great, it’s a painful situation, but isn’t it good that we’re all in this together?
Healing requires not isolation but friendship and intimacy. Touching is also important. Jesus uses not just words to raise the little girl: “He took the child by the hand … ” When we approach one another, we do so only in union with Christ. When we approach God in prayer, we do so holding one another by the hand, even when we’re alone. We are all in this together; isn’t that good to know?
Mitch Finley
Originally published February 5, 1991
