The Meaning of Faith

Today we examine the concept of faith, as demonstrated in the miracle stories of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. By examining the healing of a bleeding woman and the raising of a young girl to life, we discover the practical aspect of faith. Specifically, Mark teaches that faith is action, not just beliefs or emotions. Mark also contrasts the action of faith with the inaction of skepticism which Jesus encounters in his hometown of Nazareth. These stories challenge us to recognize Jesus as God and act on our faith.

Study Questions for Mark 5:21-6:6

1. What impressions do you have of Jairus? Of the sick woman?

2. The Pharisees were plotting to kill Jesus (3:6) The teachers of the law accused him of being in league with the devil (3:22). Assuming that Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, knew this, why did he still come to Jesus for a miracle (5:22-23)?

3. The woman’s illness made her ceremonially unclean, not allowed to have any contact with others. How did that impact how she approached Jesus (5:27-28)? What were some of the emotions she may have been feeling?

4. Why do you think Jesus made the woman reveal herself (5:32-33)? Why did Jesus say, “Daughter, your faith has healed you” (5:34)? In what ways was the woman healed, other than physically?

5. What might have been Jairus’ emotions when he received the message that his daughter was dead (5:34)? How might his emotions have changed when Jesus encouraged him to believe (5:36)?

6. Why did Jesus say that the child was just asleep (5:39)?

7. If you were Jairus, what would you say to the crowd outside your door after your daughter had been raised to life?

8. In your life, what is the relationship between crisis and faith? How have you been like the woman? Like Jairus? Like the messengers in verse 35? Like the mourners in verse 40?

9. What do the questions in 6:2-3 reveal about the opinion of the people of Nazareth? Why did Jesus perform only a few miracles in his hometown?

10. In what ways has familiarity with Jesus blocked you from really seeing who he is? How could you get a fresh view of Jesus?

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