In this story, Jesus sees and negotiates power. He leverages his own power. And Jesus redefines power. The marginalizedwoman becomes the faith leader to the society’s faith leader. Jesus has redefined power on her behalf.

The power of God in Jesus crosses boundaries in order to bring life to those languishing in death. The holiness of Christ heals the suffering. The love of Christ honors the shameful. The power of Christ robs death of all its dominion. Little children, audaciously seek the saving power of Christ today.

This text teaches us to make time and to give honor to those we are biased and prejudiced against: those at the bottom, the least, the marginalized, the last. To let them teach us, to let them scandalize us, even make us squirm, even if they may be breaking a law.

In these days, we desperately need a gospel, a good news that can deal with real world stuff that's jacked up.

Real suffering, real pain, real injury, real loss: Jesus CARES about it. Jesus is WITH the marginalized and the oppressedand the poor… and he's there REDEFINING how power works, LIFTING those people up, LEVERAGING his power on their behalf, and making THEM the faith leaders to the faith leaders. 

He's still doing it. We too must be with them.