Definition: And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Mark 5:39. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage about a woman who has been afflicted by a terrible illness. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is visiting a group of people who have witnessed a strange and disturbing event – a woman who has died and is now seemingly asleep. She’s lying on the ground, and her face is pale and lifeless. What Jesus Says: He says, “Why make this ado, and weep?” This is a very gentle but serious question. He's not saying she's really dead – he’s suggesting she’s in a state of deep sleep. The Meaning - It's About Hope & Transformation: This verse focuses on the idea that this isn’t about her dying. Instead, it's about something far more significant: She’s not suffering from a physical illness. The “sleep” is symbolic. It represents a spiritual sleep, a state of surrender to God and a potential for healing or transformation. Her sleep could be a sign of a deeper change within her. Jesus is saying that this peaceful, suspended state might be the beginning of her recovery – a chance for her soul to move on to a new life. In short, it’s a message about hope and the possibility of divine healing through rest and surrender. Important Note: This passage isn't meant to be interpreted literally as a simple case of someone sleeping. It carries deep theological significance about the nature of death, resurrection, and the potential for spiritual renewal. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the symbolic meaning behind "sleep"? Explain why this story is significant in the Gospels?