Faith For The Impossible

Intro: Mark chapter 5 is brimming with impossible cases. There are three cases given in this chapter which are absolutely, humanly speaking, hopeless and impossible. There was the Demonic Man, there was this Diseased Woman, and then there was the Dead Girl. All three of these cases were considered impossible in the Lord's day and they still are in our own day as well.

For instance, the Demoniac would be assigned to a mental institution, this poor woman would be assigned to a hospice, and the girl, of course, would be carried somewhere and placed for burial in a cemetery.

Today, I want to consider the account of the healing of the diseased woman and Jairus’ daughter. This portion of Scripture is kind of like a parenthesis in the action. Jesus is on His way to heal the daughter of Jairus and He is interrupted as He goes by this woman who comes and touches the hem of His garment. And in both these situations, Jesus says something about faith

A growing faith should be able to take on life’s most difficult challenges.

Mark 5:21–24 AV

21 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. 22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, 23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. 24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

vv. 21-24

Jesus has just returned from a night at sea. He and His disciples went to the other side of the lake. While He was there, Jesus delivered a poor man from the grip of Satan, by casting out the demons that possessed him.

Now, Jesus has returned to Capernaum and is immediately met by a crowd of people. Some have gathered to hear His words. Some have come in the hopes of experiencing a miracle. All are there to see Jesus.

A man named Jairus rushes into the crowd surrounding Jesus. It is his story that serves as the focus of these verses. He is a man whose little faith is about to grow very large.)

vv. 21-23

This man is “a ruler of the synagogue”. This means that he was one of the officials who oversaw the business of the synagogue. He was responsible for making sure that everything was in order and ready at the synagogue. He would have been an important man in his community. He would have been a wealthy man, he was a religious man.

At this moment in his life, none of the things that usually seemed important to Jairus mattered in the least! Sickness and death had visited the home of Jairus and none of the things that mattered in his life could drive them away!

Humbling himself before Jesus must have been hard for Jairus! After all, he is a ruler of the synagogue. All of his colleagues in the ministry disapprove of Jesus and of His methods.

Job 14:1 AV

1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

John 16:33 AV

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

When the trials of life come, you need a resource outside of yourself. When death, sickness, sorrow, marital trouble, financial trouble, etc, comes, you need more than some religion or the stuff of this world! You need a faith that rests in Jesus and in His power alone. What do you really trust today?

Jarius may have heard about or saw Jesus’ miracles with his own eyes, but even if he hadn’t, he believed that Jesus can do this for his own daughter. He believes the Lord’s touch will bring healing to his child.

This is the kind of faith the Lord is looking for in your life and mine. He wants us to come to the end of our own abilities.

Like Jairus, there will be many times when our faith is small and weak. But, like Jairus, our faith must be in the Lord and in His ability. Faith in Jesus is faith that will always be honored by God.

Mark 9:23 AV

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

John 14:13–14 AV

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

We now have this interesting interruption as Jairus is pleading for Jesus’ help

Mark 5:25–26 AV

25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

Her Symptoms - We are told that she suffered from “an issue of blood”. This literally means that she was hemorrhaging, or bleeding, from some part of her body. The word “issue” means “a flowing of blood”. Whatever may have caused this internal hemorrhage, she was a very sick woman.

Her Sufferings - A constant flow of blood, such as this, would have caused this woman untold suffering. Let’s take a moment to examine some of the areas in which she suffered.

1) She Had Suffered Physically - From the constant blood loss, this poor woman would have been weak and anemic. She would have been pale. She would have had no energy at all. The least of efforts would have worn her out. She would have been a weak, pathetic creature! The word “plague” is the same word that is translated “whip” elsewhere. Her disease was like a scourge, constantly beating her down, day by day!

We are also told that she had tried all the remedies of all the physicians of her day. We are told that she “suffered” under their care. She suffered because those doctors weren’t doctors, in the sense that we think of doctors. They were a bunch of quacks, trying out one superstitious remedy after another.

(Ill. “Rabbi Jochanan says: “Take of gum Alexandria, of alum, and of crocus hortensis, the weight of a zuzee each; let them be bruised together, and given in wine to the woman that hath an issue of blood.

But if this fail, “Take nine Persian onions, boil them in wine, and give it to her to drink: and say, Arise from thy flux.

But should this fail, “Set her in a place where two ways meet, and let her hold a cup of wine in her hand; and let somebody come behind and affright her, and say, Arise from thy flux.

But should this do no good, “Take a handful of cummin and a handful of crocus, and a handful of faenu-greek; let these be boiled, and given her to drink, and say, Arise from thy flux.

But should this also fail, “Dig seven trenches, and burn in them some cuttings of vines not yet circumcised (vines not four years old); and let her take in her hand a cup of wine, and let her be led from this trench and set down over that, and let her be removed from that, and set down over another: and in each removal say unto her, Arise from thy flux.”) It is hard for us to imagine the kinds of indignities those doctors put her through.

2) She Had Suffered Socially - She could not be married, because, through physical contact, she would defile her husband. If she had ever been married, her husband would have been forced to divorce her. She could not work around others because of the danger of defilement. This reduced her to a life of begging scraps of food from a distance. Her condition left her on the fringes of society.

3) She Had Suffered Religiously - Under the Law

Leviticus 15:19 AV

19 And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.

this woman was to be considered unclean. Anything or anyone that she touched was also considered unclean. As a result, she could not mingle with people in public, lest she cause them to be defiled. She could not go to the Women’s Court of the Temple, because she was unclean.

4) She Had Suffered Financially - The Bible tells us that she had “spent all she had”. The quack doctors and their useless remedies had not helped her. All they had done was drain her bank account dry. She has been left penniless and destitute.

Her Sorrow - After all the years, all the doctors, all the times she had hoped this remedy would be the one that would work for her, she has come to the place where she knows she is living under a death sentence. She will not get better, but she will die from this disease. What she has will kill her. Her life is literally draining out of her body little by little, day by day, I have no doubt she has just about given up!

This woman paints a clear picture of every person who does not know Jesus Christ as Savior. You see, the lost are also defiled by a blood disease. They inherited this disease from Adam, Rom. 5:12. This is a condition that has plagued the lost person since he or she entered this world, Rom. 3:10; 23; Gal. 3:22. It is a condition made no better despite all the efforts of the sinner.

his poor woman was in a sad shape, but she wasn’t even close to being as bad off as that person who is not saved by grace. She was merely headed to the grave, they are headed to an eternity in Hell, Psa. 9:17; Rom. 6:23!

She is a picture of that believer who is laboring under a heavy burden.

Mark 5:27–28 AV

27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

The News She Heard - Somewhere, from some source, this poor woman heard about Jesus. Maybe she had heard how He had healed that leper, Mark 1:40-42. Maybe she had heard about that wild man just across the lake that Jesus had helped, Mark 5:1-20.

The Determination She Had - Regardless of where she heard about Him, she knew she had to get to Him. She had come to realize that Jesus was her only hope! She believed with all her heart that if she could just get to Him, she would be healed. She had to be determined, because she demonstrated great courage by approaching Jesus in that crowd.

Mark 5:27–28 AV

27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

The News She Heard - Somewhere, from some source, this poor woman heard about Jesus. Maybe she had heard how He had healed that leper, Mark 1:40-42. Maybe she had heard about that wild man just across the lake that Jesus had helped, Mark 5:1-20.

The Determination She Had - Regardless of where she heard about Him, she knew she had to get to Him. She had come to realize that Jesus was her only hope! She believed with all her heart that if she could just get to Him, she would be healed. She had to be determined, because she demonstrated great courage by approaching Jesus in that crowd.

It Was Powerful

v. 29

When she was near enough to Him, she reached out a trembling hand and touched His garment. The word “touched” means “to cling to or to adhere to”. In other words, she held onto Him until she got what she came after! Then, immediately, in that instant, she received what none of the doctors or their costly and painful remedies could give her; she was healed! Instantly, she felt the change in her body. She knew she was a different woman!

V. 30-33 It Was Personal - As soon as this woman touches Him, Jesus knows what has happened. Just for the record, He knew about it before it happened! But, He knows that “virtue” has gone out of Him. This is a word that means “power”. Jesus knows what has happened and He asks the question in verse 30, “Who touched My clothes?” Of course, there were dozens of people touching Him and bumping into Him that day, a fact pointed out by the disciples, v. 31, but her touch was different, it was a touch accompanied by faith. Many touched Him, but only one touched Him with the fingers of faith!

Mark 5:29–34 AV

29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Notice this: Jesus was on His way to heal the young daughter of a man named Jairus, v. 22-24. This little girl is at the point of death! As Jesus makes His way to this man’s house, He is surrounded by the surging crowd. Yet, in spite of the seriousness of His mission, Jesus takes the time to stop for this woman! (Apply)

V. 29 It Was Powerful - When she was near enough to Him, she reached out a trembling hand and touched His garment. The word “touched” means “to cling to or to adhere to”. In other words, she held onto Him until she got what she came after! Then, immediately, in that instant, she received what none of the doctors or their costly and painful remedies could give her; she was healed!

V. 30-33 It Was Personal - As soon as this woman touches Him, Jesus knows what has happened. Just for the record, He knew about it before it happened! But, He knows that “virtue” has gone out of Him. This is a word that means “power”. Jesus knows what has happened and He asks the question in verse 30, “Who touched My clothes?” Of course, there were dozens of people touching Him and bumping into Him that day, a fact pointed out by the disciples, v. 31, but her touch was different, it was a touch accompanied by faith. Many touched Him, but only one touched Him with the fingers of faith!

Notice this: Jesus was on His way to heal the young daughter of a man named Jairus, v. 22-24. This little girl is at the point of death! As Jesus makes His way to this man’s house, He is surrounded by the surging crowd. Yet, in spite of the seriousness of His mission, Jesus takes the time to stop for this woman! (Apply)

V. 34 It Was Profound - His words confirmed what she already knew had happened! Notice that He calls her “daughter”. This signifies that fact that they are in a different relationship now. You see, she got more than physical healing that day. Her faith brought her into a soul saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The word “whole” is the same word translated “saved” throughout the New Testament. It means “to be rescued from all harm and danger. To be kept safe and sound”. Yes, she got a whole lot more than she bargained for that day!

(Note: “Thy faith hath made thee whole” also drives home the truth that her healing did not come from touching the hem of His garment. It came via the conduit of faith from the very hand of God!)

Mark 5:35–40 AV

35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. 37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. 38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

The faith of Jairus was weak. The faith of Jairus wavered. But, in the end, the faith of Jairus won out. His faith triumphed because his faith was rooted in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice the victory his faith won for him.

Jesus overhears the words from those who have brought the news of the girl’s death. Jesus also knows the fear that rests within the heart of Jairus. Jesus says, “Be not afraid, only believe.” Jesus is saying, “Jairus, don’t believe what you hear, v. 35. Don’t believe what you know, v. 38-39. Don’t believe what you see, v. 40. Most of all, don’t believe what you think! Trust Me!” He is saying, “Jairus, you believed Me when you came to me a few moments ago; keep believing in me now!”

Since Jairus was wealthy and well known, the number of hired mourners would have been many. Mark describes their noise as a “tumult”. This word describes a “clamorous uproar”.

Jesus overhears the words from those who have brought the news of the girl’s death. Jesus also knows the fear that rests within the heart of Jairus. Jesus says, “Be not afraid, only believe.” Jesus is saying, “Jairus, don’t believe what you hear, v. 35. Don’t believe what you know, v. 38-39. Don’t believe what you see, v. 40. Most of all, don’t believe what you think! Trust Me!” He is saying, “Jairus, you believed Me when you came to me a few moments ago; keep believing in me now!”

Notice these mourners - There are many people who look at death as the end of all things. They see it as a time of absolute hopelessness. Jesus seems to have a different opinion. He calls it “sleep”. Now, don’t misunderstand, He isn’t talking about so-called “soul sleep”. Many in our world believe the soul and the body go together into the grave to await the resurrection. That is simply foolish, 2 Cor. 5:8; 1 Thes. 4:13-17.

2 Corinthians 5:8 AV

8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

John 5:24 AV

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

In actual death the soul is separated from God for all eternity, Rom. 6:23; 2 Thes. 1:8-9. This event is called “the second death”, Rev. 20:10-15. The second death has no power over the child of God.

When Jesus says the girl is sleeping, He reveals a proper perspective of death. When death claims a believer, the body lies down in sleep, but the soul flies away to be with the Lord. There is no real death for a child of God,

In actual death the soul is separated from God for all eternity, Rom. 6:23; 2 Thes. 1:8-9. This event is called “the second death”, Rev. 20:10-15.

Revelation 20:14–15 AV

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Mark 5:41–43 AV

41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

Jesus sends the mourners and the spectators away. He takes Jairus, the girl’s mother and Peter, James and John and enters the room where the girl’s body lies. He took her by the hand and said “Talitha Cumi”. This phrase can literally be translated “Arise little lamb”. What a tender expression!

Jesus is moved with compassion by the grief in this home and He calls the little girl’s spirit back into her body. She obeys His command and instantly receives life. She gets up and everyone is amazed. It amazes me when I read about Jesus walking on water, feeding a multitude with a small amount of food, calming a storm, healing a sickness, etc. But, nothing showcases His divine power like Him raising someone from the dead!

Jesus cares about your situation

Hebrews 4:15–16 AV

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus is able to handle your situation, no matter what it is

Luke 1:37 AV

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Conc: Jesus wanted to keep these matters quiet. There are several reasons why He would tell them to do that. A couple of those reasons need to be repeated today.

First, it wasn’t time for Jesus to make a full revelation of Himself to the Jewish people. Here is the principle: God always does things at the right time. Even in your life and mine. He does what He does right on time every time.

Second, Jesus did not want every person to think that they would always receive healing when they were sick, or a resurrection if they died. Here is the principle: God has a specific plan for your life. He will always keep His promises, but He may not fulfill them in the ways you expect Him to!

Jesus sends the mourners and the spectators away. He takes Jairus, the girl’s mother and Peter, James and John and enters the room where the girl’s body lies. He took her by the hand and said “Talitha Cumi”. This phrase can literally be translated “Arise little lamb”. What a tender expression!

Jesus is moved with compassion by the grief in this home and He calls the little girl’s spirit back into her body. She obeys His command and instantly receives life. She gets up and everyone is amazed. It amazes me when I read about Jesus walking on water, feeding a multitude with a small amount of food, calming a storm, healing a sickness, etc. But, nothing showcases His divine power like Him raising someone from the dead!

Jesus cares about your situation – Heb. 4:15-16; 1 Pet. 5:7.

Conc: Jesus wanted to keep these matters quiet. There are several reasons why He would tell them to do that. A couple of those reasons need to be repeated today.

God always does things at the right time. Even in your life and mine. He does what He does right on time every time.

Second, Jesus did not want every person to think that they would always receive healing when they were sick, or a resurrection if they died. Here is the principle: God has a specific plan for your life. He will always keep His promises, but He may not fulfill them in the ways you expect Him to!

Faith For The Impossible

Introduction

1. A Faith For Difficult Times

A. The Trials of Life

B. A Focused Faith

2. A Faith for Defeated Times

A. The Incredible Suffering

B. The Determined Hope

B. The Determined Hope

C. The Healing She Received

C. The Healing She Received

3. A Weak but Victorious Faith

A. Is Strengthened By The Savior’s Words

A. Strengthened by the Saviour’s Words

B. Confirmed by the Saviour’s Works

B. Is Confirmed By The Savior’s Works