Matthew 9:18-26 (Message)
18-19As he finished saying this, a local official appeared, bowed politely, and said, “My daughter has just now died. If you come and touch her, she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, his disciples following along.
20-22Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” The woman was well from then on.
23-26By now they had arrived at the house of the town official and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and the neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: “Clear out! This girl isn’t dead. She’s sleeping.” They told him he didn’t know what he was talking about. But when Jesus had gotten rid of the crowd, he went in, took the girl’s hand, and pulled her to her feet—alive. The news was soon out, and traveled throughout the region.
Some people may read this passage from the perspective of Jesus simply healing a sick person. But this passive reveals much more if we read it in context of the cultural setting and traditions in Jesus’ day. In Jesus’ society, women were inferior to their male counterparts. Women were second-class human being – treated unequally, stereotyped, and/or discriminated against.
Today we still see variations of this inequality throughout every culture, society and even Churches.
Globally, 243 million women and girls ages between 15-49 were subject to sexual and/or physical violence by an intimate partner in 2020. 137 women are killed every day by a family member or inmate partner, making up 64% of female murder victims. Girls are marrying adult men today. 33,000 marriages, every day.
iBut what can we, as the body of Christ do about this? I love this scripture because it shows us a vital first step in pursuing justice.
Jesus shows us that even when others in society and culture excluded women, he included them in his life and ministry. A key part in including women in his life and ministry is modeled as being in proximity with them. As we see in this scripture, this woman with a hemorrhage who was probably judged as unclean at the time, Jesus spoke directly to her, heard her voice and cries, and believed her.
Jesus is modeling how we need to listen and be near to those in need. For us to begin to understand what justice may look like for someone, we must be near those who are experiencing injustice.
As the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the annual United Nations international campaign, kicks off on the 25th of November, I invite us all to reflect with God on the following questions:
- Does your life allow you to be in proximity and hear from women affected by gender-based violence?
- Do you believe the stories you hear from women coming forward with stories of experiencing gender-based violence?
- What are some ways you can make room to hear directly from women affected by gender-based violence?
iCry4Justice March Newsletter: Sexism (mailchi.mp)
Download a printable file here: Proximity as a Way Towards Justice