Ephesians 2: 4-10 and Matthew 9: 18-26
Rev. Nick Cheek
It is a bustling time of day. Folks are in a hurry – moving in all directions. Shoulders brushing up against other shoulders, ears filled with the jumbled sounds of multiple conversations at once… The other gospels describe the scene as a loud crowd of people pushing against each other trying to get through. To some of us it may sound chaotic and stressful.
Jesus was on his way to visit Jarius’ daughter who was sick and close to death. Jarius wasn’t an everyday citizen… he held a prestigious title in the community… he was the head of the Synagogue… the spiritual leader of the town. When you are called upon by Jarius… it was important to move with purpose… there was no diddle daddling. So as the disciples, Jarius, and Jesus step forward purposefully and hastily… a gentle unassuming hand reaches out to the feet of Jesus… giving just the slightest… tug on his cloak – a gentle interruption from a woman who is in need. In this moment, Jesus finds himself with a choice… does he pass by this woman and continue on his way… rushing to Jarius’ home, or does he pause – does it allow space and time to be open to the needs of a stranger… someone he didn’t plan on running into.
Friends, like Jesus, and those in the crowd that day – we too are often on our way… somewhere. We have to do lists and commitments to honor. We have jobs, we have families, we have events, we have clubs and organizations we may be a part of, we may also have volunteer positions here at church. In our fast-paced world, and constant movement, it’s easy to forget the importance of slowing down. We’ve all been there. At times we find ourselves overly focused on what is next… instead of what or who is in front of us – and while it is often good things that fill our schedule, in our busyness we may also miss those holy interruptions of a neighbor, a family member, a friend, a church member, or even a stranger.
There is a beautiful saying in the Zulu African Culture called “Sawubona.” It means, “I see you.” But it is much more than a polite hello—it’s a profound acknowledgment of the other person’s full humanity. It’s a way of saying, “I see all of who you are—your story, your hopes, your heartaches, your strengths and your struggles. You matter to me.” And there’s a beautiful reply to that greeting: Shiboka, which means, “I exist because you see me.” The Zulu culture believes these aren’t just words – they’re an invitation into sacred presence. They remind us that when we truly see someone—not just glance past them but really make space for their presence—we affirm their worth. We tell them: you are not invisible. You are not forgotten. You are here, and I see you. You are not alone.”
Sawabona – Is about creating space in our hearts and lives for each other—not because we have to, but because that’s how we were made. We were made for a relationship – made to see one another. To pause long enough to recognize the image of God reflected back at us in every face.
The philosophy of Sawabona emphasizes that our lives are not isolated; they are shared, interdependent, and deeply connected. And we cannot fully be ourselves without acknowledging and making room for the humanity of others along our path.
Story: Birth of Lydia
This philosophy reminds me of the birth of our oldest daughter Lydia. June 30th, 2007, at 9 in the morning Ashely’s water broke and we headed to Presbyterian Hospital with our labor bags in tow. Even though we took the birthing classes, and read all the books, neither one of us really knew what we were getting into. Hours passed… but there was no increase in contractions. More time went by and the Dr. decided to administer pitocin. The day turned into night… To make things even more interesting, the day Doctors rolled off at 5pm and one on-call Doctor came on for the rest of the night. A night when the birthing center would welcome 23 newborns. One doctor… 23 labors. Can you imagine? Understandably, Ashley and I were anxious and worried because Lydia was NOT an easy labor. She was determined not to come into this word without a fight.
Thankfully we were assigned the most wonderful Nurse, Sarah. She was incredible. She noticed how we were feeling – she could sense it. She also knew this was Ashley’s first birth. The Doctor was so busy, we barely saw him. Sara – she spent time with us… she talked with us, calmed our nerve, breathed with us, she showed me were to rub Ashley’s back – she even at one point took me aside and gave me some of the best advice ever as a husband standing beside a woman giving birth – “don’t speak to your wife… unless spoken to.” 15 hours after we left for the hospital… Lydia was finally on her way. The Dr. came in for the final push… and all of us – including our angel Sarah… encouraged Ashley… “One more Push… one more push… you can do this… you can do this…” And then… we heard the most beautiful and powerful cry we would ever hear as parents. Lydia… Grace… took her first breaths in the world and our lives would never be the same. Later that evening… we would find out something about Sarah. When asked our new nurse where she was… and we were told her shift had ended at 5pm with the other Drs. Sarah… stayed with us for 8 hours after her 12 hour shift had ended. Sawabona.
Friends – can one truly see another… or allow themselves to be seen… when in an anxious hurry? Sawabona is not found in packed calendars or quick conversations in passing. Sawabona shows up in the margins—when we slow down enough to notice the sacred in one another. When we pause… not necessarily to ask “What do you need from me? What can I do for you, or how can I fix this, or how do we get this done?” Instead… Sawabona shows up when we ask the deeper question. Like… [pause] “Who are you? When was the last time someone asked you that? Who are you… Mary? What are your passions, Ray? What does your heart cry out for, Sarah? What do you care about, Rebecca? … How is it with your soul, church?” [Pause]
Holy moments occur when we [BREATHE] breathe… to listen… and just BE with the people in front of us. And when we do this, we create space not just for one another— we make space for the divine to do God’s work.
When the woman touched Jesus’ cloak, he had a choice. He could stop… or… he could walk on his way. It is important to note here that In the Society of Jesus’ day, this woman was considered an outcast. She was “unclean” and having that title not only meant that she was unable to have any physical contact with someone… It also meant that she was unwelcome in the Synagogue… unwelcome in the church. And if you’ll remember from our story, the teacher of the religious codes that prohibited this woman from being in the community is standing right there when this encounter occurs. Ao I would be remiss not to point out the deep courage and faith of the woman. Knowing the law… and knowing that the priest is standing right there… along with the disciples and amidst a crowd… she reaches out to touch this Rabbi… in hopes that he… will finally see her.
And… he does. After years of loneliness, after seasons of trying to heal herself, after hiding in the shadows in fear of judgment… Jesus saw her.
Author of the “woman alive series,” Elaine Storkey puts it like this. “The remarkable difference in this story is what happened next. The fact that she got no rebuke from Jesus, no sharp criticism for having compromised him or ‘contaminated’ his clothing, must have surprised both her and the whole crowd. Instead, Jesus affirms the woman, ignores the legal infringement and commends her faith. He even calls her “daughter” – a reminder that her identity is not defined by law but by trust. She is indeed a faithful woman who worships God and honors his will. In replacing her fear with peace, Jesus makes it clear that she has also brought her own healing into play, through her trust in him.”
Friends, this interchange between Jesus and the woman is not only for them… it is also for those in attendance. It becomes a teaching moment for the disciples, the religious leaders…and the crowd. Through this encounter, Jesus show’s everyone what’s important… he shows them God’s love isn’t for the perfect… or the polished… or put together… God’s love isn’t bound by law or societal norms… and God’s love is available for all… but especially those who feel alone… unseen… or unwanted.
At the same time… we also learn that God’s love and presence isn’t in a rush…it doesn’t conform to our schedules… it isn’t blocked out just for specific times in our calendars… God’s love and presence… interrupts our lives (for the better) – it shows up when it wants to… and when we are willing to make room for it.
Talk about what you are going to be doing (Meetings… to truly see you… small groups… one on ones – so I can ask those deeper questions like… Who are you, what are your passions, what are you grieving, what are you hoping for – for yourself, those you love, for this church…and your neighbor. And the questions I love the most this morning – How is your soul?
Friends, in a time when life often feels frantic and the world feels fragmented, maybe what we need is not more activity, but more Sawabona – more being-with. More space. More abiding. More slowing down so that we might truly see one another and let ourselves be seen. And in that space, trust that God will meet us. Because where two or three are gathered—not rushed, not distracted, but present—that is where Christ promises to be.
In the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit. Amen.