Mark 5:21-43 Do Not Fear, Only Believe

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record this event, intertwining a woman’s healing with the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. These two individuals could not be more different. Jairus is a respected synagogue leader, and the unnamed woman is an outcast, suffering for twelve years. Yet, both approach Jesus in desperate need. Jairus pleads for his dying daughter, while the woman, impoverished, suffering, and ceremonially unclean, seeks healing by touching Jesus’ garment. While Jesus accompanies Jairus to heal his daughter’s sickness, the procession is interrupted by this woman who touches Jesus. Because of this delay, Jairus’ daughter dies. But as Jesus brings this woman forward, calls her "daughter," (the only place in the gospels where Jesus calls someone daughter) and says, "Your faith has healed you," Jairus is given a picture of what is required of him. When news of his daughter’s death comes, Jesus tells Jairus, "Do not fear, only believe." Jesus calls Jairus to trust in Him despite what the news-bearers have said, despite the mocking laughter the mourners spew, and despite what his own heart tells him about the finality of death. Just as the woman stepped forward and fell at Jesus’ feat (even with her fear and the risks involved), Jairus is called to put aside his fear and step forward with Jesus, believing He is Lord over even death itself. The four miracles in this section reveal Jesus as God incarnate, with power over creation (the storm), spirits (the legion), disease (the woman), and death (Jairus’ daughter). They point to the inbreaking of God’s kingdom, offering a glimpse of a future where sin, sickness, and death are no more. But, whether a ruler of a synagogue or a poor hopeless outcast, all humanity must enter this kingdom by faith. I. The Desperate Father’s Plea (v. 21-24a) II. The Hopeless Woman’s Faith (v. 24b-34) III. The Call To Faith (v. 35-40) IV. The Lord Over Death (v. 41-43)