Only Believe

Today's reading: Mark 5:21-43

'And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”' - Mark 5:34,36 ESV

It hit me for the first time this morning that this little girl was born around the same time that this woman fell ill. So, when Jairus' family was flooded with joy and hope for the future, the woman with the issue of blood was overwhelmed with shame and despair.

Yet, at this moment, both the girl and the woman were in desperate need.

Jairus was not necessarily a religious leader, being the frontman of the synagogue. Most rulers of these Jewish places of worship were the most wealthy and influential in their community.

Also, by touching the woman (bleeding) or the girl (dead), Jesus would have made himself ceremonially unclean according to the Law of Moses. He engaged despair with healing and hope for what was to come. Why? To show us what compassion looks like, and to reveal that he was and is the Son of God.

So, when Jesus invites us to not fear and only believe, may we take him up on his offer. Not only that, let's share that hope with everyone who crosses our path.