Mark 5:21 - Meaning and Application

The people of Gadara had asked Christ to leave their country, so he did not stay to trouble them long. He went back by boat to the other side, as he had come, and there a great crowd gathered around him (Mark 5:21). This shows that if some reject Christ, others will receive him and welcome him gladly. A gospel that is refused in one place will cross over to another where it is better received.

Among the many who came to him was one man who openly asked for help for his sick child. He was one of the rulers of the synagogue, a leader in synagogue worship, and possibly one of the judges of the local court. Matthew does not name him, but Mark does, Jairus (see Judges 10:3). Though he was a ruler, he came to Christ with deep humility and respect. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet and begged him earnestly, because he believed the mercy he needed could come from nowhere else.

His only daughter, about twelve years old, was dying. He first said she was still alive but near death, as Mark reports. Later, after receiving new word, he said she had already died, as Matthew reports. Even so, he kept asking Jesus to help her, and Jesus agreed to go with him (Mark 5:24; Luke 8:42-49). His faith did not give up when the case seemed to grow worse.

Another person came in secret, as if to steal a cure for herself, and she did receive the help she came for. Jesus healed her while he was on the way to the ruler’s house, and a large crowd was pressing around him. He made use of every moment and did good even while walking. Many of his teachings and miracles happened along the road. We also should do good, not only in the house, but while walking about, as in (Deuteronomy 6:7).

This poor woman had suffered from a constant flow of blood for twelve years. It had no doubt made her weak, stolen much of her comfort, and brought her near death. She had gone to many doctors and used every treatment they told her to use. As long as she could keep paying, they kept promising a cure, but when her money was gone, they gave her up as hopeless. This shows how people will spend everything for health and life. It also shows how bad it is when doctors make matters worse instead of better. When medicine fails, sickness often gets worse, and many people finally come to Christ only after every other helper has failed. He is still a sure refuge, even for those who come to him last.

She had strong faith in Christ’s power to heal her. She said to herself, even though she was not prompted by anyone else, that if she could only touch his clothes, she would be healed (Mark 5:28). She believed he healed not merely as a prophet who received power from God, but as the Son of God, with power in himself. Because her sickness was shameful and private, she could not modestly tell him about it openly. So she sought a private cure, and her faith matched her need.

She came up behind him in the crowd and managed to touch his garment. At once she knew she was healed (Mark 5:29). The bleeding stopped, and she felt perfectly well, all at once, as healthy as she had ever been. That shows the cure was truly miraculous. Natural healing does not happen all at once in that way, but God’s work is complete. In the same way, those whom Christ heals from the disease of sin, that deadly and life-draining issue, cannot help but notice a full change for the better.

Christ then asked about the one who had touched him, and he encouraged her when she was found. He knew within himself that power had gone out from him (Mark 5:30). This did not mean he grew weaker by healing her, but rather that he acted with living power and delight in doing good. Wanting to bring his patient into the open, he asked, not in anger, “Who touched my clothes?” His disciples treated the question as unreasonable, since so many people were pressing against him (Mark 5:31). But Jesus ignored their remark and looked around to see who had done it. He did this not to blame her, but to commend her faith, encourage her, and openly confirm the healing she had already received. He did not need anyone to tell him, because he already saw her. Secret acts of sin and secret acts of faith are both known to the Lord Jesus.

The woman then came forward, trembling and afraid, not knowing how he would respond (Mark 5:33). Christ’s patients often tremble when they have reason to rejoice. She could have come boldly, knowing what had happened to her, yet she was still fearful. It was a startling blessing, and not yet the joyful surprise it should have been. Still, she fell down before him. For those who fear and tremble, there is nothing better than to cast themselves at the feet of the Lord Jesus, humble themselves before him, and leave themselves in his hands. She told him the whole truth. We should not be ashamed to speak openly about the secret dealings between Christ and our souls. When called to do so, we should tell what he has done for us, to praise him and encourage others. The fact that nothing can be hidden from Christ should also lead us to confess everything to him. Jesus then gave her a comforting word: “Daughter, your faith has made you well” (Mark 5:34). He honors faith because faith honors him.

See how what faith does on earth is confirmed in heaven. Christ says, “Be healed of your sickness.” When our faith gives its amen to God’s power and promise, saying, “So it is, and so let it be for me,” God’s grace gives its amen to the prayers and hopes of faith, saying, “So be it, and so it shall be for you.” So Christ says, “Go in peace.” Be fully satisfied that your healing has come rightly, that it has really been done, and take comfort in it. Those who are healed by faith from their spiritual diseases have good reason to go in peace.