March 12 Mark 5:36
“But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’”
Context:
This verse occurs within the story of Jairus, the synagogue ruler, who comes to Jesus pleading for Him to heal his dying daughter. On the way to Jairus’ house, a woman suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years is healed when she touches Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:25-34). During this delay, messengers arrive and tell Jairus that his daughter has died, implying that there is no longer any reason to trouble Jesus. However, Jesus responds with this powerful command: “Do not fear, only believe.”
1. Faith Over Fear:
Jesus’ words emphasize the importance of faith in the face of seemingly hopeless situations. The natural human response to bad news is fear, but Jesus calls Jairus to trust Him even when circumstances appear beyond hope.
2. Trust in Jesus’ Power:
The statement is not just a call for generic faith, but faith specifically in Christ’s ability to overcome death. This foreshadows the miracle of raising Jairus’ daughter and ultimately points to Jesus’ power over life and death.
3. Faith as the Key to Miracles:
Many of Jesus’ healings are accompanied by a direct appeal to faith. This reinforces the biblical principle that faith is necessary to experience the fullness of God’s power and promises (Hebrews 11:6).
4. A Personal Challenge:
Just as Jairus had to choose between despair and trust, believers today face similar choices. When confronted with loss, sickness, or trials, Jesus’ words still echo: “Do not fear, only believe.” Trust in Christ can sustain and strengthen believers even in dire circumstances.
Application:
• When facing difficulty, remember that Jesus calls us to faith, not fear.
• Trusting God’s power means believing in His authority even when the situation looks impossible.
• Jesus’ words remind us that our faith must be in Him, not just in a hoped-for outcome.
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