Mark 5:36 - Don't Be Afraid; Just Believe.
Mark 5:36 - Don't Be Afraid; Just Believe.
Mark 5:36 (NIV) Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the
synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
Mark 5:36 (NLT) But Jesus ignored their comments and said to
Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
Mark 5:36 (NJB) But Jesus overheard what they said and he said
to the president of the synagogue, 'Do not be afraid; only have
faith.'
In this amazing chapter of Mark's Gospel we read of two
miracles Jesus performed: the healing of the woman with a hemorrhage and
the raising of Jairus's daughter from the dead. The doctors had
given up on the woman, taken all her money, and instead of healing her
had left her worse than before. Yet with just the touch of her
finger on Jesus' robe, all the blood dried up and all the disease was
gone from her body. Likewise, no one had hope for Jairus's daughter;
she had died, and the neighbors were already bringing food and
mourning with the family. But one touch from Jesus raised her to new
life.
But that happened way back in Bible days, we may think. It's
not relevant to my life today. On the contrary, the same power that
went out through the hem of Jesus' garment and through his words "Get
up little girl!" is available to us today. God desires that through
the Holy Spirit, we know and understand the unlimited, surpassing
greatness of his power for us when we trust him. Voice your needs and
cares to God, and then receive these words he speaks to you, his
child, this day: "Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
Father, I praise you that the same power that raised Jairus's
daughter from the dead, healed the woman with a hemorrhage, and raised
Jesus from the dead is available to us through your Spirit! Open the
eyes of my heart to see, know, understand, and believe in the working
of your power in and for us who believe. [Praying Through The Bible
By Fuller]
Two people in desperate straits came to Jesus. First, a
father came on behalf of his dying daughter. "Please come and lay your
hands on her; heal her," he said desperately. Next came the woman who
had been hemorrhaging for twelve years. Imagine her weakness, her
fear, and especially her feelings of uncleanness. Crawling through the
mob, she had only one goal in mind--touch Jesus' robe. She needed his
healing power, and she knew she could get it just from a touch to his
garment. She was right. Then Christ spoke to her, "Daughter, your faith
has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over." The man
with the dying daughter? His daughter died before Jesus arrived. The
desperate situation turned for the worse. But that was no problem for
Jesus--he simply brought the child back to life.
Christ wants you to acknowledge his power to heal and repair
what is broken in your life. Whatever the size of your crisis, bring
it to Jesus. Nothing is too difficult for him; no situation is too
desperate. Reach out your hand. He's there. [The One Year Bible for New
Believers re Mark 5:36]
All kinds of people came to the feet of Jesus. A well-known
synagogue leader and an anonymous sick woman could find help there.
Perhaps the woman's faith was a bit superstitious, but the Lord still
honored it. If you cannot grasp His hand, touch the hem of His garment.
The first step of faith, no matter how weak, will lead to greater
blessings.
No situation is so desperate that Jesus cannot work. Disease,
delays, and even death are under His control. Jesus goes with you to the
place of disappointment and sorrow and meets your needs. No matter how
depressing your situation may appear, "Do not be afraid; only believe" (v.
36). [Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe]
The "Elijah complex" can rob you of power and joy, so beware!
Elijah went from victory to defeat because he started walking by sight
and not by faith (v. 3). He believed the queen's words but not God's
word, and he forgot how God had cared for him for three and a half
years. Fear replaced faith, and he ran for his life. We need to obey
these words: "Do not be afraid; only believe" (Mark 5:36). [Chapter by
Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe re 1Ki.19]
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
A Better Way to Live: http://www.itiswritten.com/betterway/
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Grace Notes: http://www.e-gracenotes.org/index.php
Excellent Spiritual Resource Site:
http://www.christianlifemediacenter.com
More Spiritual Resources: http://www.aBible.com