Lesson 6
Faith Training
Mark 5:21-43
Key Verse 36-37
“Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James.”
1. Who met Jesus when he returned to Galilee (21)? Who was Jairus and what compelled him to come to Jesus (22-23)? Consider the social status and position of the synagogue leader at that time. What is remarkable about his attitude toward Jesus? From his request, what can we know his faith in Jesus? How did Jesus respond (24a)?
2. How did the author describe one woman in the crowd (24b-26; Lev 15:25-27)?
Think about the efforts she had made to overcome her sickness for 12 years; consider how she might have suffered from fear, despair, a sense of limitation and powerlessness and hopelessness. What empowers her to come to Jesus? Compare and contrast her coming to Jesus with that of Jairus and the crowd (24b, 27-28). In contrast to Jairus, how did she express her faith (27b-28)? What happened after she touched Jesus’ cloak (29)?
3. What surprising question did Jesus ask the crowd and why (30-32)? How did the woman respond (33)? What did Jesus acknowledge from her? How did Jesus bless her (34)? What can we learn here about Jesus and about faith? What is the ultimate resolution for such hopelessness under the power of fear, failure, death…?
4. What news and advice to Jairus came while Jesus was still speaking (35)? How might this have affected Jairus? How did Jesus’ words “Don’t be afraid; just believe” encourage and challenge Jairus (36)? What kind of faith does Jesus want us to have? When we consider this, what overcomes fear, disbelief, and despair?
5. Upon arriving at Jairus’ house, what did Jesus say and do (37-40)? How did Jesus bring the little girl back to life (41-43)? What did this event show about Jesus? In all of this, who is Jesus, who said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” “Talitha koum!”? What faith and the characteristics of the ministry of the gospel does Jesus might want to teach his disciples (us) through these 2 events?