Faith that Heals
Your faith has made you well...
Mark 5:34
Your faith has made you well...
Mark 5:34
Mark 5:21-43 There are two stories of faith in this passage! We are introduced to two people who had faith in Jesus but were from vastly different backgrounds and different needs—but as they both approach Jesus, we learn several powerful lessons about faith, healing and the resurrection.
A. Character Profile: Who are these People?
1. The Woman
She had suffered for 12-years with a bleeding condition that left her ‘ceremonially unclean’ and rejected by society. She had spent all of her money on doctors but refused to accept the disease as her lot in life.
2. The Synagogue Leader
Jairus was a leader and a respected member of the community and a synagogue. His wealth, status and connections could not produce what his daughter needed.
She had suffered for 12-years with a bleeding condition that left her ‘ceremonially unclean’ and rejected by society. She had spent all of her money on doctors but refused to accept the disease as her lot in life.
2. The Synagogue Leader
Jairus was a leader and a respected member of the community and a synagogue. His wealth, status and connections could not produce what his daughter needed.
B. Lessons of Faith and Healing
1. Faith opens the door to the power of God
2. Faith shows persistence in overcoming obstacles
3. Faith requires action
4. Faith is often driven by desperation
- Faith transfers divine power to those who are utterly powerless.
- Faith saves: “Your faith has healed [lit., saved] you” 5:34
- Effective faith is faith directed to Jesus! Mar 11:22-24
2. Faith shows persistence in overcoming obstacles
- The woman overcomes shame, fear, rejection and illness.
- The synagogue leader overcomes the pronouncement on his daughter and the scorn of his friends.
3. Faith requires action
Belief about Jesus does not bring healing,
but faith in Jesus that takes action does.
but faith in Jesus that takes action does.
- They are unclear precisely who Jesus is but believe that He has the power to heal and are willing to put their faith to the test.
4. Faith is often driven by desperation
- If God intervened in every situation, we would never have to exercise faith. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego expressed the only kind of faith that carries us through any and all tragedy when they declared to the King:
"Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace,
and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you,
O king, that we do not serve your gods,
nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
Daniel 3:17-18
and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you,
O king, that we do not serve your gods,
nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
Daniel 3:17-18
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