Jesus Came to Comfort Us

 

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?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 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. Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. (Mark 5:35-43 ESV).

 

Jesus came to comfort those who mourn (cf. Isaiah 61:2-3). But what a strange way to bring comfort to parents who had just lost a child—saying that she was not dead but asleep! Was Jesus adding to their sorrow by giving them false hope? The Savior did come to bring comfort—and not with glib phrases or cheap answers or by quoting Scripture verses at inappropriate times. He wanted people to know that even though their loved ones were gone, they were not dead.

 

And he backed up his words with action: he brought the girl back to life. This miracle was Jesus’ way of showing that he came to conquer death. He wants us all to know that death does not have the last word.

 

Maybe you dread the celebration of Christmas because someone you love is gone. You simply can’t get past that empty place. Perhaps you will be celebrating with tears in your eyes and pain in your heart. But, remember, the Lord Jesus has conquered death. And because of that, someday when he returns, the graves of all who have died will be opened and you will meet again. Because of his victory over death, you will be able to celebrate his birth despite your sorrow.