Read Mark 5:21-43
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“And Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace'” (Luke 7:50 NLT).
In Mark 5:21-43, we encounter two powerful stories of faith and healing. The narrative begins with Jairus, a synagogue leader, who begs Jesus to heal his dying daughter. On the way to Jairus’s home, a woman who has suffered from chronic bleeding for twelve years touches Jesus’ robe, believing it will heal her. Despite the pressing crowd, Jesus feels the power go out of Him and seeks out the woman, affirming her faith. Meanwhile, Jairus’s daughter dies, but Jesus assures Jairus to believe. He then raises the girl from the dead, showcasing His authority over life and death.
The band Disciple captures the essence of this story in their song “Touch,” particularly with the lyrics: “In my weakness, You are stronger / In my need, You are here / In my sadness, You come closer / In my tears, You wipe them clear.” These words beautifully illustrate the transformative power of Jesus’ touch in our lives.
Imagine being in a crowd, desperately trying to reach someone who holds the key to your healing. You’ve been battling an illness for over a decade, enduring pain, isolation, and hopelessness. One day, you hear that a man named Jesus, known for performing miracles, is passing through your town. Hope ignites within you. You muster the courage to navigate through the throng of people. As you draw nearer, you reach out and touch the hem of His garment, believing with all your heart that this simple act will change everything. Instantly, you feel a surge of healing power course through your body. Relief and joy flood your heart as you realize you are healed.
The woman’s faith is remarkable. She believed that merely touching Jesus’ clothes would heal her. This act wasn’t just about physical healing but also spiritual restoration. According to Jewish law, her bleeding rendered her ceremonially unclean, isolating her from society and religious activities. Her touch of Jesus’ garment was a bold move, signifying her deep faith and desperation for healing.
When Jesus stops and asks, “Who touched my robe?” He isn’t ignorant of what happened. He seeks to acknowledge her faith publicly, to affirm her and restore her dignity. “Daughter, your faith has made you well,” He says, affirming her belief and her new status as a healed and whole member of society. Jesus does not only heal her physically but also restores her spiritually and socially, giving her a new identity and a renewed place in her community.
Similarly, Jairus exhibits profound faith. Despite the news of his daughter’s death, he trusts Jesus’ words, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” Jesus’ authority over death is demonstrated when He raises Jairus’s daughter, showing that His power transcends all boundaries. Jairus’s journey with Jesus to his home, despite hearing the worst possible news, illustrates the challenge of maintaining faith amidst fear and despair. It is a testament to the power of believing in Jesus even when circumstances seem hopeless.
The common thread in both miracles is faith. The woman’s faith led to her healing, and Jairus’s faith resulted in his daughter’s resurrection. Our faith in Jesus can bring about profound changes in our lives, not because of our power, but because of His. Faith acts as a conduit for God’s power, enabling miraculous interventions and transformative experiences.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that sometimes, despite tremendous faith, healing does not come as we hope. This can be incredibly challenging and disheartening. Miracles in the Bible serve two primary purposes: the immediate healing itself and bringing glory to God. In every miracle, the deeper objective is to reveal God’s power and presence, and to draw people closer to Him.
For those who do not receive the healing they long for, it is important to remember that their faith is not in vain. God’s glory can be revealed in many ways. Sometimes, it is through the strength and unwavering faith of those who endure hardships that God’s love and faithfulness shine the brightest. Their journey can inspire and uplift others, showing that faith in God provides peace, hope, and a sense of purpose even in the midst of trials. Beyond the physical healing of the woman and Jairus’ daughter, the miracle was that Jesus was there, present for them both in their time of need. As such, He is with us in ours too.
Additionally, we must remember that God does not cause our suffering. Instead, God is with us in our suffering, working tirelessly to bring us hope, healing, and wholeness. He walks with us through our darkest valleys, providing comfort and strength. His presence in our lives assures us that we are never alone, and His love works to transform our pain into a deeper understanding of His grace and mercy.
In our struggles, we often feel like the woman or Jairus—desperate and helpless. Yet, these stories remind us that reaching out to Jesus in faith, even in our weakest moments, can result in miraculous transformations. Disciple’s song “Touch” resonates with this truth, reminding us that in our weakness and need, Jesus’ power and presence are available to us. The song serves as an anthem of hope and a reminder of the intimate relationship we can have with Jesus, where He meets us in our deepest needs and transforms our lives through His touch.
Moreover, as followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet in the world. We can be miracles in the lives of others by representing Jesus and the power of His healing presence. By offering a listening ear, a comforting word, or practical help, we can bring the love and hope of Jesus to those around us. Our actions, driven by faith and compassion, can create ripple effects of healing and restoration, showing others that God is present and working through us.
In practical terms, this passage encourages us to live out our faith boldly. When faced with challenges, we should remember to reach out to Jesus, confident that He hears us and is capable of meeting our needs. It also reminds us to support others in their faith journeys, helping them to reach out to Jesus in their times of need. Our faith can inspire and uplift others, creating a ripple effect of hope and healing.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
A touch of faith can move the hand of God.PRAYER
Lord, help me to reach out to You in faith, believing in Your power to heal and restore. Amen.
Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.
