Bible Reading
Mark 5:21-43 (ESV) — > 21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea.
> 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet
> 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”
> 24 And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.
> 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years,
> 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.
> 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment.
> 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”
> 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
> 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?”
> 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’”
> 32 And he looked around to see who had done it.
> 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth.
> 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
> 35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
> 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”
> 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.
> 38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.
> 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.”
> 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.
> 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”
> 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.
> 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Observation Questions
- What are the main differences between Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood in terms of their social status and approach to Jesus?
- How does the woman’s experience of rejection and isolation show up in the way she approaches Jesus in the crowd?
- What does Jesus do after the woman is healed, and why is it significant that he calls her “daughter” in front of everyone?
- When Jairus receives news that his daughter has died, what does Jesus say to him, and how does this challenge Jairus’ faith?
Interpretation Questions
- Why do you think the woman, after years of disappointment and rejection, still had the courage to reach out to Jesus? What does this say about the nature of faith in desperate situations?
- The sermon says that “our issues are not our identity.” How does Jesus’ public restoration of the woman’s identity challenge the way we see ourselves and others who are struggling?
- Jesus brings his disciples into the room with Jairus’ family before performing the miracle. What does this suggest about the role of community in experiencing God’s healing and restoration?
- Both Jairus and the woman had to push through fear, disappointment, or the opinions of others to encounter Jesus. What does this reveal about the obstacles that often stand between us and the healing or breakthrough we need?
Application Questions
- The sermon talks about “rehearsed rejection”—expecting to be let down because of past hurts. Are there areas in your life where you anticipate rejection or disappointment before it even happens? How has this shaped your relationships or your willingness to reach out for help?
- Have you ever let an issue or struggle define your identity, either in your own eyes or in the eyes of others? What would it look like to let Jesus speak a new name or identity over you, as he did for the woman?
- The woman’s healing was not just physical—it restored her to community and affirmed her worth. Is there a place in your life where you need more than just relief from pain, but true restoration and belonging? What step could you take toward that this week?
- Jairus was tempted to give up when it seemed too late. Is there a situation in your life where you feel like hope is gone or that Jesus “showed up too late”? How might Jesus be inviting you to “keep believing” in the middle of disappointment?
- The sermon says, “Healing happens in community, not isolation.” Are you trying to follow Jesus for yourself but by yourself? What would it look like to invite others into your journey of faith and healing?
- Both Jairus and the woman had to risk vulnerability—Jairus by humbling himself publicly, the woman by stepping out of hiding. What is one area where you need to risk vulnerability in order to experience deeper healing or connection?
- The invitation is to stop hiding in the crowd and accept the deeper healing and belonging that only Jesus can give. What is one practical way you can step out of the “crowd” this week—whether that means sharing your story, asking for prayer, or joining a group?
