Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, May 4, 2022
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Jesus made clear before his resurrection and ascension that he would not leave his followers vulnerable. He promised the Holy Spirit would walk with them and empower them. He assured them that they too, could do what Jesus did to change the world.
Peter believed him. When the opportunity arose for Peter to visit with a charitable woman whose good works were critical to the community, he didn’t hesitate. Like Jesus with Jairus’ daughter, Peter put everyone outside. Like Jesus, who spoke in Aramaic, “Talitha cum” (little girl, get up) (Mark 5:41), Peter spoke, “Tabitha, get up.” Like the little girl, the woman sat up. The story is written with such similarities to Jesus’ miraculous raising of the little girl intentionally. The rhythm of the tale and the sequence of events tell us that Peter was able to do what Jesus had done. Jesus’ work didn’t end when Jesus was raised and ascended. Jesus’ work was just beginning. Peter would take up the mantel. That mantel would be passed through generations. We too, have been given the authority to do what Jesus did. We have been called to preach, teach, heal, and love in Jesus’ name.
