Touching the Hem of the Garment
The Macklin Bible, 1796

The Raising of Jairus’s Daughter
The Macklin Bible, 1795

My dear friends,

The use of a "frame story" — a story within a story — is a technique employed numerous times throughout the Gospel of Mark. This structure allows for the juxtaposition and interrelation of two narratives, which can reveal deeper meaning and significance.

The dual narratives of the healing of Jairus' daughter and the woman suffering from hemorrhage in Mark 5:21-43 are particularly poignant. Notably, both stories involve the healing of women, which is significant in a historical and cultural context where women were often marginalized. The fact that both recipients of healing are female underscores the inclusiveness of Jesus' ministry, his disregard for social hierarchies, and his compassion for the marginalized.

The age of Jairus' daughter also holds special meaning. The text tells us she was about twelve years old, the same length of time the woman had been suffering from her condition. This parallelism underscores the interconnectedness of their stories. On a symbolic level, twelve was a significant number in Jewish tradition, representing completeness and divine governance. It was the number of the tribes of Israel and the number of Jesus' disciples, among other instances.

The girl's age might suggest the onset of womanhood and the future that lies before her. Meanwhile, the woman suffering from hemorrhage, having endured twelve years of ailment, might symbolize a long period of suffering and marginalization. The simultaneous healing of both represents a restoration, a reclaiming of life that had been lost or put on hold.

Moreover, the number twelve, often associated with divine intervention and completeness, could symbolize a new beginning for both women. In this way, the narratives intertwine, presenting a unified message of hope, faith, and the transformative power of compassion. Through these stories, we are reminded of the potential of faith and compassion to bring healing and renewal, transcending societal boundaries and personal afflictions. Let us seek to embody these qualities in ourselves, for the benefit of all beings.