The Raising of Jairus’s Daughter:

Two Traditions about Her Mother

Two sarcophagi dated to the early 300s depict Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter

The Raising of Jairus’ DaughterMark 5:22-24, 5:35-5:43

Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother

and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. (NRSV)

One tradition: The mother stands with the father and Jesus beside her daughter’s bed.

The other tradition: The mother lies on the floor at the men’s feet.

Art as Text

By Ally Kateusz

In honor of Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza