Day 56 : Mark 5:21-43

Mar 17

Read Mark 5:21-43

Helpful Background Information:

After Jesus returned from the Gentile region where He healed the demon-possessed man, a large crowd gathered around Him again. Among them was Jairus, a respected synagogue leader, who desperately pleaded for Jesus to heal his dying daughter. On the way to Jairus’ home, an unnamed woman suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years reached out in faith to touch Jesus’ garment. Though her condition made her socially and ceremonially unclean, her belief that even touching Jesus’ clothes could heal her was enough. She was instantly healed. Jesus, recognizing that power had gone out from Him, stopped to acknowledge her faith before continuing to Jairus’ house.
By the time Jesus arrived, Jairus' daughter had already died. Mourners were gathered, but Jesus assured them she was only “sleeping.” He then entered the house with a few disciples and the girl’s parents, took her by the hand, and raised her back to life with the words, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Jairus believed superstitiously that Jesus needed to touch his daughter to heal her, while the woman thought she could be healed in secret. Jesus met each person’s faith where it was and both of their lives were changed as a result.

Reflection Questions:

Jesus told Jairus, “Do not be afraid; only believe” (v. 36). Why do you think that Jesus puts faith and fear at opposite ends of a spectrum?

Jairus must have felt frustrated when Jesus stopped to talk with the woman while his daughter was dying. Have you ever felt like God was taking too long to respond to your prayers? How does this passage challenge you to trust Him in the waiting?

Jodi Figgins

Day 57 : Leviticus 15:19-27