Editor’s note: This post is part of a series featuring outstanding excerpts from student papers at the BibleMesh Institute, which offers affordable online training for local churches, schools, and ministries. The author’s name has been withheld for privacy and security purposes.
Mark 5:21-43 comprises two smaller stories that can be connected together. The first story is about a man named Jairus and his daughter. The second story is about a bleeding woman. It is important to note that the second story interrupts the first; the bleeding woman story is presented in the middle of the Jairus story. This tells us that these two stories are connected, and that Mark is communicating a message in the way that he links the stories together.
In the story of Jairus and his daughter, Jesus demonstrates His authority and power over death, perhaps a foreshadowing of His own resurrection. He also demonstrates His grace and mercy for those He loves, even those who have fear instead of faith. In the story of the bleeding woman, Jesus demonstrates His authority and power over disease. He also demonstrates His love for all people, including those who are traditionally considered outcasts or unclean. Jesus rewards those with great faith in Him.
One of the main literary forms that is used in this passage to connect these two stories together is comparison and contrast. There are many elements in these two stories that are the same, and also many that directly contrast each other. By identifying these, we can gain a deeper understanding of the author’s intended message of this passage, and what God is trying to tell us through His Word.
First, let’s look at the comparisons. In both stories, the presence of large crowds is mentioned. In both stories, people in need fall at Jesus’ feet, in awe of His presence and power. Both stories tell of hopeless circumstances, characters who are ill and with no hope for a cure. Additionally, the mention of “twelve years” appears in both stories. Jairus’ daughter was twelve years old, the same amount of time that the woman had been subject to bleeding. As Jairus was losing the twelve years of life that his daughter had, the bleeding woman was being healed of the twelve years of agony that she had been carrying. The themes of healing, fear, and faith also run throughout both of these stories. Both Jairus’ daughter and the bleeding woman needed healing that only Jesus could provide.
Now, let’s look at the contrasting elements of the two stories. The main characters, Jairus and his daughter and the bleeding woman, are very different. Jairus had money; the woman “spent all she had” (Mark 5:26). Jairus was a synagogue leader, a man with religious prestige. The woman was considered dirty, impure, and shameful because of her condition. She was an outcast, disconnected and ostracized from society. We don’t even know her name. The little girl who died, at just twelve years old, represents potential, possibilities, and the future, whereas the bleeding woman represents shame, darkness, and death. Additionally, in the story about Jairus and his daughter, Jesus did not let anyone follow Him except the child’s father and mother and the disciples. He also gave them strict orders not to let anyone know about the healing. This contrasts the story of the bleeding woman, whom Jesus healed in front of many people.
Perhaps the most critical contrasting element between these two stories, and the underlying message of the entire passage, is faith. The bleeding woman had faith that Jesus would heal her, and it was by her faith that He made her whole. In contrast, Jairus doubted in Jesus’ power after he was told that his daughter had died. Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). Despite the fear, the doubt, and the mourning, Jesus still resurrected the little girl. Through no goodness of her own, no effort of her own, no movement of her own, and no faith of her own, Jesus still healed her.
The key common elements are Jesus’ sovereign power, His love for people, and His willingness to help those who come to Him. In the midst of hopeless situations, Jesus is sovereign and we should have faith in Him. Although the enemy uses disease and death to create doubt and despair, Jesus demonstrates through His mighty works that He is in control. He has the power to heal, to bring life, to forgive, and to save. As we face trials and temptations, we can be reminded that Jesus is powerful and that He cares deeply for us. We can trust Him because He is faithful to bring deliverance and salvation.