Faith That Heals: Jesus Brings Hope to the Hurting in Mark 5:21–43

Mark 5.21-43

This passage intertwines two stories of faith and healing. Watch how Mark does this a lot: start one story, and then sandwich another one into it. Often the two seemingly independent stories end up shedding light on each other. How many other times will we see this before the Gospel is over? Jairus, a synagogue leader, pleads with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. On the way to her, a woman suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years touches Jesus’ cloak, believing she will be healed. Jesus stops to acknowledge her faith, restoring her publicly. Soon after, Jairus receives word that his daughter has died, but Jesus continues to his house and raises her back to life. These stories reveal the power of faith and Jesus’ ability to bring hope and healing in even the most desperate situations.

What is attractive about God's Dream?

The tender compassion of Jesus is deeply moving. He responds to both the prominent Jairus and the marginalized woman with the same care and attention, showing that God’s Dream is for everyone, regardless of their status or circumstance. The woman’s faith is inspiring—her simple but profound belief in Jesus’ power brings her not only physical healing but also restoration within her community. Similarly, Jesus’ gentle words to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe,” offer hope in the face of fear and grief.

What is challenging about God's Dream?

The delays and detours in the story are challenging. Why does Jesus stop for the woman when Jairus’ daughter is on the verge of death? This timing forces us to wrestle with the tension between urgency and trust in God’s timing. Additionally, the scoffing disbelief of the mourners when Jesus declares the girl is only sleeping challenges us to consider how we respond to hope that seems impossible. Do we allow cynicism to close our hearts to God’s Dream?

What is transformative about God's Dream?

This passage transforms our understanding of faith as a pathway to healing and hope. The woman’s bold faith and Jairus’ reluctant but growing trust show that faith doesn’t have to be perfect—it only needs to turn to Jesus. Both the woman and the girl are restored to life, demonstrating that God’s dream is one of renewal and wholeness, even when all seems lost. As we journey through Advent, this story invites us to trust in God’s power to bring light into the darkest moments and to hold onto hope, even when the outcome feels uncertain.

Pray:

God of healing, your Son restores life and hope through faith. Teach us to trust in your dream of renewal and to bring your compassion to the hurting. May we walk boldly in faith, knowing you are with us in every circumstance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.