In his Gospel Mark tells us how great crowds followed Jesus.
In 1:28 we read that because of his miracles, news about him spread quickly over the whole region
1:32-34 the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door and Jesus healed many who had various diseases.
2:2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door...
2:13 A large crowd came to him and he began to teach them.
3:7 A large crowd from Galilee followed
3:9 Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready....
3:32 A crowd was sitting around him...
4:1 The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat...
That brings us to 5:21, where again we read that a large crowd had gathered.
But, of course, crowds are made up of individuals, and in this passage Mark tells us of two of individuals who were part of the crowd.
Read Mark 5:21-43 - A Dead Girl & a Sick Woman
Jairus and the woman we have just read about are examples. Their needs represent the needs of many in the crowd, and the needs of many even today - perhaps even your need.
The differences between them
Jairus had everything The woman had everything against her
Man Woman
named unnamed
ruler of synagogue excluded from synagogue
health and wealth sickness and poverty
Despite these differences, there was so much they had in common:
What they had in common
Both faced insoluble problems
Jairus daughter was dead (v35)
The woman was beyond medical help (v26)
What to do when you face an insoluble problem
Humble yourself in submission to Jesus
Jairus fell at his feet (v22) She fell at his feet (v33)
Put your trust completely in him
To the woman Jesus says, Daughter, your faith has healed you (v34)
(It’s never too late with Jesus – even after 12 years – both had a 12 year old
problem!))
To Jairus he says, Don’t be afraid; just keep on believing (Gk) (v36)
(This shows he must have had faith right from the start - although not mentioned)
The reward for faith – problems solved
The woman, the moment she reached out in faith and touched him (v29)
Jairus’ faith, however was tested - keep on believing (v36)
But Jesus does more than solve problems
He gives:
(to the woman, v 34)
ACCEPTANCE (daughter)
PEACE (shalom)
FREEDOM (be freed)
SALVATION (sozo = save)
NEW LIFE (v42) (to Jairus’ daughter)
