Talitha Koum

Beyond the news that it was too late

Capernaum · AD 28, autumn · Mt 9:18–26 · Mk 5:21–43 · Lk 8:40–56

Story

When Jesus had crossed back over the lake, Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, pushed through the crowd and fell at his feet. My little daughter is dying. Come and lay your hands on her, and she will live. Jesus set out with him, and a great crowd followed, jostling him from every side. Among them was a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years.

She had endured much under many doctors and spent everything she had, yet instead of getting better she only grew worse. If I can just touch his clothes, I will be healed. Keeping low in the press of people, she came up from behind and reached out her hand. At that moment the bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed. Jesus turned around and asked, who touched my clothes? Trembling with fear, the woman came forward, fell at his feet, and told him the whole truth. Daughter, your faith has made you well.

While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader's house. Your daughter is dead. Jesus said to the synagogue leader, do not be afraid. Only believe. Jesus took only Peter, James, and John, and the child's father and mother, and went into the room where the child lay. Then he took her by the hand and said, Talitha koum, which means, little girl, get up. At once the twelve-year-old girl got up and walked.

His Words

Talitha koum. Little girl, I say to you, get up.

Do not be afraid. Only believe.

Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Be free of your suffering and be whole.

Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead. She is asleep.

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Mt 9:18–26 · Mk 5:21–43 · Lk 8:40–56

Background

Pause and Reflect