I wanted to circle back to wrap up the mini-series on this passage in Mark 5. These verses provide countless observations. An insane man turned evangelist. A desperate father. A faithless throng. Doubting disciples. So many characters who speak to us.
I feel the need to move on, but not before looking at the woman whose story interrupts the last twenty verses of this chapter. (Mark 5:25-34) Of all the figures, this woman resonates most strongly with me. I can relate somewhat to her affliction.
I say ‘somewhat’ because I don’t have her exact affliction. I’ve only been dealing with my illness for half as long. My community and place of worship haven’t ostracized or banned me. I’m allowed to live with my family. I know some of you can relate more fully to her desperation. You’ve suffered longer and more acutely.
We all experience times of suffering. Regardless of what may be happening in your life, I pray these insights encourage and bless you.
The first thing I notice about this woman is her desperation. She’s heard about Jesus (v. 27) and wants Him to heal her, but she can’t boldly cry out like the blind man in the street.* She’s unclean. In truth, she shouldn’t even be in the crowd. But her desperation drives her to risk the condemnation of being found out.
Through the pen of Mark, God reveals to us her thoughts, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” (v.28)
Her faith may be a bit superstitious (i.e. touching the garment), but her faith is in Jesus. The object of our faith is always more important than the quality of our faith.
It’s important to see the Truth behind what caused the disciples to scoff in verse thirty-one. Hundreds of people are crowding around Jesus as He attempts to navigate the narrow streets on His way to Jairus’ house. He’s being bumped and jostled from all sides.
Yet only one person touched Him.
Jesus understands what His disciples did not. Casual contact with Jesus is worlds apart from reaching out in faith to touch Him.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb 11:6)
Next, we see her denial.
Perceiving that power had gone out of Him, Jesus stops and asks, “Who touched Me?”
This question brings to mind Genesis 3:9, when God calls out to Adam and Eve in the garden, “Where are you?”
God knew where Adam and Eve were hiding, just as Jesus knew who had touched Him. The asking of the question here is for the benefit of the woman.
Luke tells us in his account that all denied it.** Even so, the woman quickly realizes she can’t stay hidden. She comes forward, falls to her knees before Jesus, and tells Him the whole truth.
Jesus then makes it undeniably clear to her and everyone else that she is healed.
“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.’” (Mark 5:34)
Oh, the tender mercy of our Lord! Beyond the healing, He calls to her using the most tender of names: daughter. Jesus called no other person by this name. What a special blessing!
In 2 Corinthians 6:18, Paul makes it clear this blessing also belongs to us!
“I WILL BE A FATHER TO YOU, AND YOU SHALL BE MY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY.” (2Cor 6:18)
When was the last time you told Jesus the whole truth (v. 33) about your sin, your suffering, and your hope? When was the last time you reached out to Him with real faith?
Jesus will always respond in one of two ways:
“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” or “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
The second response is why we need the rest of the story.
Remember Jairus? His daughter lies on the brink of death. Can you imagine what he must be thinking as Jesus stops to question this woman? Worse, as they are conversing, one of his household came and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
We’re not told what emotions Jairus felt at hearing this pronouncement. We can only imagine. But Jesus knew. How does He respond?
“Do not be afraid; only believe.”
At that moment, Jairus didn’t know the end of his story. He had to choose to obey the words of Jesus.
At this moment, we don’t know the end of our story. We have the same choice.
And though we don’t have Jesus standing in front of us, He said what we have is better. We have the Holy Spirit within us, revealing the truths of scripture. We have God’s Word, all His promises to us!
We know, “that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:28)
We can trust, “God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19)
We have His promise, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer 29:11)
For me, this is the broader lesson of this passage. Trusting that if God doesn’t answer my prayer for healing, it’s because He has something better. It’s hard to believe in a love like that.
Nothing in this world compares.
Shalom.
*Luke 18:36
**Luke 8:45
Photo Credit: Photo by William Farlow on Unsplash
So encouraging!
Love this, "object of our faith is always more important than the quality of our faith."
It reminds me that my faith can be as small as a mustard seed,but it's not about me- it's about Him. He is the object of my faith, my hope, my belief. He alone saves, heals, provides.
Great post, friend.