What can we learn about persistence in seeking Jesus from Mark 5:28? Scripture for Study Mark 5:28: “For she kept saying, ‘If only I touch His garments, I will be healed.’” The Woman’s Example of Persistence • Twelve years of hemorrhaging had left her physically exhausted and financially ruined (Mark 5:25–26). • Ceremonially unclean, she should have stayed distant; yet she pushed through the crowd. • The Greek tense—“kept saying”—shows a continual inner dialogue of faith, not a one-time thought. • She acted immediately, stretching her hand toward Jesus despite social and religious barriers. • Her persistence was rewarded instantly: “Immediately her bleeding stopped” (Mark 5:29). Lessons on Persistence in Seeking Jesus • Persistent faith is vocal—she repeatedly affirmed Christ’s power to herself. • Persistent faith is active—belief moved her feet and hand. • Persistent faith perseveres through obstacles—crowds, stigma, and personal weakness. • Persistent faith trusts the sufficiency of even the smallest contact with Christ—“touch His garments.” • Persistence draws personal attention from Jesus; He stopped, searched her out, and affirmed her (Mark 5:30–34). Scripture Echoes • Luke 18:1–8—the widow’s relentless petitions show that God honors continual seeking. • Matthew 15:21–28—the Canaanite woman refuses to be discouraged until Jesus answers. • Hebrews 11:6—God “rewards those who diligently seek Him.” • James 5:15—“the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick,” reinforcing that faith perseveres. Practical Applications Today • Keep declaring God’s promises aloud; repetition feeds faith and silences doubt. • Press through spiritual “crowds” like busyness, distraction, or discouragement; make deliberate contact with Christ through prayer and Scripture. • Approach Jesus boldly even when you feel “unclean” (Hebrews 4:16). His grace removes barriers. • Accept that small, simple acts of faith—touching the fringe—can access His limitless power. • Expect personal affirmation from the Lord; He still notices and responds to persistent seekers. Encouragement to Persevere If a weakened, ostracized woman could reach Jesus and receive immediate wholeness, we can confidently continue pressing in. Persistence is not striving to earn a miracle; it is the steady, believing reach of a heart convinced that one touch of Christ is enough. |
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