The ones whom Jesus heals - Mark 5:21-43

Mark 5:21-43 records two miracles happening in one episode. The miracle of raising Jairus daughter from the dead and the Woman suffering with continuous bleeding. Both were in great need from the Lord and were looking for a miracle from the Lord. One was a "big shot" in the community. A religious leader, well know and probably very well off financially. The other was an insignificant woman. Perhaps with little or no friends or family because of her illness. The two characters paint a startling contrast in the story. Does God care more for the rich or the poor? For the popular or for the unpopular? Looking at these two stories declare an amazing "Yes!"


Note the contrasts in these two persons:

Jairus Woman:
Miracle needed Jairus :Resurrection Woman: Healing from bleeding
Position Jairus : Father, leader Woman: Random woman
Character Jairus :Well known Woman: Unknown.
Request Jairus : falling, pleading, public Woman: Secretly, hidden
Response Jairus :Jesus heals in secret Woman: Jesus heals in public
Result Jairus :Girl walks around Woman: goes in peace
Jesus said Jairus :"Don't tell anyone.." Woman: "Who touched me?"

God heals peoples secret pains and problems, at the same time he heals even people who's lives are very public. Jesus is not limited to space, time, celebrity status or insignificant people. Who is the one who has a problem is too big? Or too small? Jesus would go out of His way, or on His way to help you. He wants to do a miracle and answer the prayers of every ones walk of life, great or small, big or little. As Peter says: "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Jesus is only limited by those who do not ask, and do not have faith. Have you put your cares on Him today? Have you asked Him to help you in your trial? He is waiting for you to ask.

A disciple like that! That's what we need. Mark 5:1-20

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:18-20

When I was in Israel last year I noticed that there was a Catholic church built over the sight of every major Bible story. So much so that my tour of Biblical sights quickly became a tour of strangely named Catholic churches. I told one of my Pastor friends that I bet there is a church where the "pigs rushed off into the sea", jokingly, just jokingly. And sure enough, there is a church built on that sight bearing that name. We didn't go see. I had no desire to see it.

It is obvious from this story that the peoples first thought about Jesus was that He was Satan himself. And that He was the one controlling the man called "Legion", for there were many demons in this poor man. They begged Jesus to leave the area, but Jesus told the man to stay and be a "witness" of His power in him.

I was quickly reminded of how many people fear Christianity because they see it as an evil or bad element of our society. This is true. Many people for whatever reason see our movement as the epitome of evil because we dare speak out about what the Bible calls wrong. Trust me, the more you follow Christ, it is just a matter of time before people start wondering if what you are into, is really a bad thing and not good for society.

Jesus did not do any miracles. No tricks, no schemes. He left only one man to be a witness.

This man:
Spoke truth
Presented his life as a witness
Stayed active in the community (The Decapolis of all places, that's downtown!)
Used the fact that he was well known as a testimony against his former lifestyle.
Never stopped talking about Jesus.

I think we need a few more good men like him, who are willing to be faithful disciples. Why don't we join him today?

Have a blessed day my friends

Pastor Vince