What does Mark 5:36 teach about trusting Jesus in difficult situations? A Crisis Meets the Command of Christ “But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to the synagogue ruler, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe.’” (Mark 5:36) Fear’s Facts vs. Faith’s Focus • Messengers announce Jairus’s daughter is dead; human evidence shouts hopelessness. • Jesus ignores the report and redirects Jairus’s gaze: fear looks at circumstances, faith looks at Christ. • Trust is not denial of facts—it is confidence that Jesus outranks every fact (Colossians 1:17). What “Only Believe” Demands • Singular focus: no room for mixed trust (James 1:6-8). • Present-tense action: keep on believing, not a one-time burst (John 20:31). • Personal attachment: faith clings to who Jesus is, not just what He can do (Hebrews 12:2). Why His Word Is Enough • Authority: the same voice that stilled the storm (Mark 4:39) now commands Jairus’s heart. • Compassion: He willingly walks home with Jairus (Hebrews 4:15). • Power over death: raising the girl (Mark 5:41-42) previews His own resurrection (Revelation 1:18). Living “Do Not Be Afraid; Only Believe” Today • Replace fearful thoughts with His promises—write out verses like Isaiah 41:10; John 14:1. • Pray Scripture aloud when anxiety strikes (Psalm 56:3-4). • Act in obedience before feelings change—faith steps forward while fear still whispers (Joshua 1:9). • Recall past deliverances; testimony fuels present trust (Psalm 77:11-12). Summing Up Mark 5:36 calls believers to silence fear and center trust on Jesus alone, because His authority, love, and resurrection power make every impossible situation an arena for His glory. |
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