Gospel of Mark Part 29: The Touch of Jesus [Small Group Discussion]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Title: Faith That Reaches for Jesus
Scripture Focus: Mark 5:21-43 – “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” … “Do not be afraid, only believe.”
OPENING QUESTION
Have you ever been desperate enough to try something that others thought was impossible? How did your faith—or lack of it—affect the outcome?
BACKGROUND
After returning from the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus was met by a crowd. Two very different people came to Him in faith:
A synagogue ruler named Jairus, whose twelve-year-old daughter was dying.
A woman who had suffered for twelve years from a hemorrhage and had spent all she had trying to be healed.
Both were desperate. Both believed Jesus could help. Both experienced His power—one healed from disease, the other raised from death.
KEY POINTS
1. The Woman Who Reached for Jesus
She had suffered for twelve years, was considered unclean, and was socially isolated (Leviticus 15:25-27).
She believed that touching even the hem of His garment would heal her.
Her faith was active—she acted on it despite fear.
Jesus affirmed her: Mark 5:34 – “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”
True faith moves us to seek Jesus regardless of obstacles.
2. Jairus and the Test of Faith
Jairus, a respected synagogue official, humbled himself and begged Jesus to help his daughter.
When news came that she had died, Jesus said: Mark 5:36 – “Do not be afraid, only believe.”
The crowd’s laughter and unbelief were silenced when Jesus raised her to life.
Faith must remain steadfast, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
3. The “Twelve” Connection
The woman’s twelve years of sickness began the same year Jairus’ daughter was born.
Twelve often symbolizes God’s covenant people (twelve tribes, twelve apostles).
Both miracles show that Jesus brings restoration to the unclean and the hopeless, offering complete wholeness to all who believe.
APPLICATION
A. Faith is expressed through action – The woman pressed through the crowd. Jairus came and pleaded with Jesus. Faith that stays passive is not faith at all.
B. Jesus meets us in our desperation – Whether we have been suffering for years or face sudden tragedy, He responds to those who reach for Him.
C. Don’t let fear replace faith – Jesus’ words to Jairus apply to us: “Do not be afraid, only believe.”
D. Spiritual contact with Jesus is available today – Through His Word, prayer, obedience, and the indwelling Spirit.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What barriers might have kept the woman from approaching Jesus? What barriers keep people from Him today?
How do we “touch” Jesus now without His physical presence?
Why do you think Jesus made the woman come forward publicly instead of letting her slip away?
How do we keep believing when we get bad news, like Jairus did?
What do these two miracles reveal about Jesus’ authority and compassion?
MEMORY VERSE
Mark 5:36b – “Do not be afraid, only believe.”
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for the faith to reach for Jesus in every circumstance—whether in long-term struggles or sudden crises. Ask for courage to push past fear and to trust Him fully.
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