Talitha Cumi

"Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise."

Mark 5:41

Oh, but she isn't dead she is just sleeping! Jesus often surprised people while He was on this earth. He gave quick responses to difficult questions and He answered questions with other questions (Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 9:14-15)! This passage from Mark takes place after Jesus had just cast out demons and also healed a woman with a terrible sickness she had had for 12 years. Jesus is always taking care of His people. However, for His last miracle in chapter 5, we read about this little girl who is not dead but asleep.

My grandmother made a very good point about this particular miracle from Jesus. The girl's father, Jairus, was a synagogue leader who was held in high esteem. But, he still kneeled before Jesus and asked Him to heal his baby girl. Jairus was humble before Jesus. We ought to humble ourselves before God trusting that He will provide our every need by His power and grace.

Finally, Jesus arrives to the home to heal this little girl. "And when he entered, he said to them, "Why are you making a commotion and weeping?" The child is not dead but sleeping (v.39)." Jesus is graceful and direct in all that He does. Despite Jesus commenting this to comfort the girl's family; they laugh. They laughed just like Sarah laughed when God said that she would have a son at a very old age (Gen. 18:12). Nonetheless, Jesus just pressed on towards His little girl. You don't just laugh and expect that to stop the King of the world.

It is what Jesus said to the little girl that is truly mesmerizing. He could have said many things. He could have said, "Go walk" or "Go and move." But He chose to say, "Talitha cumi" which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise (v. 41)." He loved His little girl and He called her to arise. Arise! She was just 12 years old and she was called to arise by Jesus Christ who was about to go die on a cross for her and save her again. Can you imagine opening your eyes to Jesus Christ standing over you? I am telling you right now, that no matter who you are, you are loved and cared for by the King of the world and he calls you his little girl (or boy!). He will save you again and again and again. He will pursue you even when others laugh and when the world turns away. He will never leave you nor forsake you. You are His. Period. No question. I don't know where you are in life right now, but run to Him. Run to Him and let Him wrap his arms around you through His word, through prayer, through helping others, or even just by going on a walk to enjoy this beautiful world He has given us. If you aren't feeling His arms around you, reach out to Him (James 4:8) because He promises to reach out to you; His little one.