Mark 5:21-43
The Power of Faith – Mk 5:-21-43
Biblically, faith is defined as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
The disciples need to see Jesus for who He really is and then put their faith in Him, despite what they see. He has now convincingly displayed His power over creation and the spiritual realm. His next miracle puts the nail in the coffin, so-to-speak.
21 When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and so He stayed by the seashore.(NASB®)
What was the difference in welcome compared to the other side of the lake?
Returning to a more Jewish area from a Gentile one, where fear of the unknown reigned, the masses of people only confirmed His growing popularity.
Am I afraid or a fan of what Jesus is doing?
22 One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet 23 and implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.” (NASB®)
What can draw people to Jesus?
A well known, respected, synagogue leader note the ease at which he reaches Jesus through the crowd), who would have been very aware of the Scribes and Pharisees desire to kill Jesus, throws himself at the feet of Jesus in desperation. Theological differences aside, the impending death of his child is worth taking a risk on this celebrated healer.
Do I view death as an opportunity to seek God?
24 And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him. (NASB®)
How does Jesus respond?
Even though the need around Him is great, Jesus, is moved with compassion and accepts the invitation.
Do I perceive Jesus as available, even for me?
Am I willing to lay my burdens at Jesus feet?
25 A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, 26 and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse— 27 after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. 28 For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.”(NASB®)
What can draw people to Jesus?
Sickness can leave us extremely vulnerable to those who would prey on desperation. When chronic illness leaves you suffering and isolated, even form of worship, you are willing to try anything that comes along. At this point, touching a famous healer is worth a try, even if it meant making everyone else she touched unclean.
Do I view suffering as an opportunity to get closer to God?
29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” 31 And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 32 And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”(NASB®)
How does Jesus respond?
Without any delay, Jesus is conscious of being used as an instrument of total and complete healing. At the same time, Jesus is very aware that He is not here for physical healing in and of itself, so He demands the woman identify herself. The disciples, once again, miss the point that Jesus wants to publicly move this women from being shunned to accepted. Jesus addresses her as a dear child and sends her away in the knowledge that it is not in her own merit but by trusting God she has found peace and wholeness forever.
Am I willing to let Jesus change my life?
Am I willing to be identified as one of His?
Am I trying to earn what only God can give?
35 While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?” 36 But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” (NASB®)
What can stop us from coming to Jesus?
Interruptions can be annoying at the best of times. Stopping for this worthless peasant woman, under the present circumstances, after all this well respected man had to go through to ask for help, must have been unbelievably aggravating. Finally able to continue, he finds out all hope is lost. This problem is now too big for anyone. Jesus ignores the fear and doubt and instructs the distraught father to hold onto his belief despite what circumstances say.
Am I quicker to trust what people say over who Jesus is?
Am I willing to trust Jesus whatever the outcome?
37 And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the synagogue official; and He saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. 39 And entering in, He said to them, “Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is asleep.” 40 They began laughing at Him. But putting them all out, He took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was. 41 Taking the child by the hand, He said to her, “Talitha kum!” (which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. (NASB®)
How does Jesus respond?
Jesus removes the professional mourners, who are resigned to the finality of death, and only allows those necessary in the room. Before those who loved her, he took the girls had and addressed her as dear lamb. To everyone’s amazement, she got up at Jesus request.
Do I believe that death is the end?
Do I recognize that Jesus loves me no matter who I am?
43 And He gave them strict orders that no one should know about this, and He said that something should be given her to eat. (NASB®)
Why the secrecy?
Sickness & death do not respect gender or status but through faith in Jesus, even the impossible is made possible. The challenge is news like this is bound to spread fast enough on its own so Jesus warns them to keep quiet. His call remains one of a sincere faith denoted by repentance. Too many were already looking to escape the consequences of this life without the necessity of faith.
Do I seek Jesus for what I can get or what He desires to give?
Is reconciliation with Jesus enough?