Prepare: Bring some things with you that no one needs for worship. This can be almost anything, but you need to be ready to tie it in! For example – you could bring a small sewing kit, then ask if anyone needs it, describe what it’s for, and then shrug and set it aside. It will be explained later, so no need to talk any more about it right here.
(You can get out a Bible here and mention that this might be something more people would need in worship.) Did you just hear that story from Matthew? I’m not sure what to make of that. First we hear about people being upset with Jesus for eating with the “wrong” people, then Jesus goes out to heal two people, and it’s not really who we expect!
Let’s back up a sec, here. The leaders think that Jesus is eating with the wrong people. They think that Jesus should only spend time with the right people. People who can afford nice clothes to go to the temple. People who the other leaders know by name. People like themselves! Not these sinners!
Jesus says a funny thing when he hears them grumbling. Jesus says, “People who are not sick don’t need a doctor. It’s the sick people who need one.”
I don’t think that Jesus was saying there was something wrong with the people he was eating with. I think Jesus was saying that they had just missed the mark a little. They need a little care and help to get back on track. There was nothing so wrong with them that it couldn’t be fixed. Like a sick person going to see the doctor so they could feel better!
Ok, but what’s with the next part of the story, then? One of the leaders – the people who were upset with Jesus – asks Jesus for help! Jesus, being who he is, of course goes to help, because Jesus is here for the people who need help! On the way a woman touches Jesus robe, on just the hope that it will hear her, too, and it does!
Jesus, and what Jesus can do, are just the right things for these people at this moment. The leader is desperate for someone to heal his dying daughter, and the woman wants to be able to live a more normal life, free from the health problems that have plagued her for years!
But here is the real question in this story – how are these to physically sick people, the little girl and the woman, different from the “sinners” that Jesus has been eating with?
They are no different! The “sinners” are looking for help, healing, a hope for a normal life, and way to be accepted, just like the father and his daughter, and the woman who touches the robe. Jesus is just in the right place at the right time! Jesus is present when these people are in need.
Remember that sewing kit? No one here needed it right now, but wouldn’t it be great to have this little kit if you lost a button off your shirt? Or if you had a little rip in your clothes? Or a hole if your sock? Sometimes our needs are unexpected, but when we are in need it is nice to have help and support. And, like Jesus is there for the “sinners” and the father and daughter, and the woman, Jesus is with us! And we are encouraged to be present and helpful for each other! To love each other as Jesus loves everyone.
Put together first aid kits! Contact a local agency or follow these guides from any number of websites -like this one -https://ofhsoupkitchen.org/diy-homeless-survival-kits. Have the supplies out, or make it a multi-week event where you gather supplies in worship for several weeks, then assemble kits as part of the worship station time.
Healing God, be present with us when we need healing and help. Be present with us when we can help those around us. Be present with us as we learn to love each other. Amen.
May God give you strength to love everyone you meet.
