We have biblical accounts of Jesus’ interactions with many who were considered outcasts or “other” in His day. Sometimes I wish we had a record of Jesus encountering someone with dementia. We read about his interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well or the Ethiopian Eunuch on the side of the road. But we have no text describing Jesus meeting a person with dementia.  

Since we have no scriptural text, I want to be clear that this is my imagination speaking, not holy writings that have been passed down to us. Nor am I claiming this as a revelation of the Holy Spirit. I’m simply wondering what Jesus would have said if he had encountered a woman with dementia as he walked through the village streets.  I feel sure he would not have smiled, looked the other way, and kept walking. But so many people today do that when encountering someone with dementia. I don’t think that’s what Jesus would have done. Jesus saw value in everyone. He met them where they were, and showed them that he cared.  

So what would he have said to them if he stopped and took time to speak with them? Would he have said “This isn’t really you”? I cannot imagine that although I hear people make this type of statement all the time. “Dad isn’t really himself.” “Since Grandma isn’t really there anymore, we don’t visit very often.” That’s not what I would expect of Jesus.  Jesus was present with God in the Beginning. Jesus knew the beauty and value of every human life. When a person became lame, Jesus didn’t see them as “lesser than.” When Jesus encountered the blind man or the deaf one, He did not look the other way and say that they no longer mattered. No matter what physical change a person had endured, Jesus loved and cared for every person He encountered.  

We don’t have a scriptural account of Jesus encountering anyone with dementia. But most of us who claim identity with Christ will encounter someone with dementia in our lives and routines. Will we see them as lovable, valuable, with something to “give” and “add” to our world or only as “different,” “problems to take care of,” or “not worthy of our time”?  

Last week I stopped by the dementia care home where my mom lives. There was a group of 6 or 7 people at a table. I realized quickly that it was one resident and a group of church members from the congregation where she belongs. Notice that I did not say “where she used to belong.” No… she is still a part of that church. And the church came to her, they sat with her and shared with her. Will she remember it a week later? No, of course not. But that does not mean that she does not belong with them and they are not connected to her? Of course not, they are one body and she is a valued part of it.

So many churches seem only focused on how to be successful, how to be more popular, how to be more prosperous. When I look at the life and witness of Christ, I don’t see a focus on prosperity, popularity or success. I see love, compassion, valuing all people and all of Creation.  

I encourage you the next time you encounter or interact with someone who has dementia, not to look the other way and excuse yourself because you are uncomfortable with what they might (or might not) say or do. Instead, reach out. Shake a hand or offer an embrace. Smile, share kind words. Tell them that they look beautiful, that you are so happy to see them. Tell them that they are loved and valued. We don’t know what Jesus would have said or done when encountering someone with dementia, but use your imagination. Let the Spirit guide you. My guess is… it won’t only make that person’s day better but it will also bring a blessing to you.