35 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore? ”
36 When Jesus overheard what was said, he told the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” 37 He did not let anyone accompany him except Peter, James, and John, James’s brother. 38 They came to the leader’s house, and he saw a commotion — people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them,“Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 They laughed at him, but he put them all outside. He took the child’s father, mother, and those who were with him, and entered the place where the child was. 41 Then he took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum” (which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, get up” ). 42 Immediately the girl got up and began to walk. (She was twelve years old.) At this they were utterly astounded.
Mark 5:35-42
Bold Faith (Mark 5:33-34)
Today we close out our look at Mark 5 and the story of the bleeding woman and Jairus's daughter. As discussed earlier this week, Mark intentionally "sandwiches" these two stories together because of their similarities and differences to make a point. Sellers summarized the emphasis of this passage so well on Sunday.
- Bold faith Believes
Both Jairus and the woman have a bold belief that Jesus Christ could save their situation. This faith is a complete trust in the ability of Jesus to handle ANYTHING, even a debilitating disease! In both accounts, they come to Jesus with desperate faith, believing he can change the ominous tides.Do you have complete trust in the ability of Jesus to handle anything in your life? There is nothing too big or too small to be brought to the feet of Jesus.
2. Bold faith Acts
Not only did Jairus and the woman believe in Jesus Christ, but they also acted. Both throw themselves at the feet of Jesus amidst a crowd. Jairus pleads for him to come and the woman reaches for the hem of his cloak; both put action to their faith in Jesus Christ.James 2:17 states that "faith that is not accompanied by action is dead." Do you think your faith in Jesus Christ is marked by explicit action? I've heard it said that the smallest action is better than the largest intention. We must put our works to our faith!
3. Bold faith trusts Jesus THROUGH all things.
Jairus's daughter was dying. The woman had a debilitating disease for 12 years. It would probably seem that their destination would be hopelessness, despair, or depression. Yet, in their bold faith, they trusted Jesus THROUGH these unthinkable circumstances.Regardless of what you are or will walk through, Jesus Christ is enough to sustain you. Jesus Christ is enough to weather the storm with you. A bold faith does not falter in the storm, rather, it is strengthened by it.May we live out a bold faith that BELIEVES, ACTS, and TRUSTS JESUS THROUGH ALL THINGS.
