Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

In today’s reading, one common theme that appears is that of healing. Mark tells us the stories of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man, a woman who had suffered with her health for twelve years, and a young girl who had passed away. There’s a lot happening here! But one of the things I love about these stories is that they reveal to us more of who Jesus is through each circumstance.

For example, in the first story, Jesus casts Legion (meaning “many” demons), out of a man who had been tormented by them for a long time. They had led him to isolation and self-harm. But Jesus is Lord and commands them to come out of the man. Once this man is healed, he longs to go with Jesus, but Jesus doesn’t let him. Instead, he tells the man to go home to his friends and family and tell them how much the Lord has done for him and the mercy He has shown on him. This story shows us that Jesus is Lord over the spiritual realm; He has the authority to command unclean spirits.

Next, Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, seeks out Jesus to heal his sick daughter, and Jesus agrees to go. Along the way, however, a woman who had been suffering with a discharge of blood for twelve years made a bold choice—she fought her way through the crowd believing that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’s robe that she would be made well. She had already tried everything she knew, seeking out doctors and spending all her money, but nothing had helped. Until Jesus. Due to her health issue, she was ceremonially unclean, so it was unacceptable for her to touch others as she would make them unclean, too. However, Jesus is Lord, so He can’t be made unclean, but He has the power to make others clean. Jesus recognized her boldness and her faith in her reaching out. He tells her that her faith has made her well and tells her to go and be healed. This shows us that Jesus is Lord over the physical realm.

Then, as this woman had interrupted Jesus on his way to heal Jairus’s daughter, news comes that the young girl has died. This doesn’t faze Jesus, though. When they make it to the house, Jesus tells the girl to rise, and she gets up and starts walking. This shows us that Jesus is Lord over even death.

Taken together, all of these stories highlight the authority of Jesus Christ. He is Lord over all things—things seen and unseen. I don’t know about you, but this is such a great comfort to me. Let’s take some time over the next few moments to reach out to Jesus, much like the woman who was desperate for healing.

Reflection:

• Spend some time in prayer identifying and thanking God for ways that He has healed you, delivered you, and given you new life if you believe in Him.
• Next, identify an area of your life you need to surrender to Jesus and rest in His authority over all things.
• Ask God to give you an opportunity to share what He’s done for you with a friend or family member sometime over the next week.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Family Application: Mark 5

Author: Nichole McCardle

Have you ever scrolled through the emoji faces on your parent’s phone? If so, you know there are lots of different faces showing many different emotions ranging from happy, to sad, to scared, to sick, to silly, to funny, to laughing, to crying, to angry, to weird, to confused, and many more! There is an emoji for almost every emotion we could be showing, even the not-so-good emotions and feelings. We all have different emotions and “faces,” but Jesus sees past that and sees the person who God created. He loves everyone, and in Mark 5, He shows his love for all kinds of people by showing compassion for them and helping them. In our reading, we learn that Jesus restored a demon-possessed man, healed a sick woman, and even brought a little girl back to life! He did amazing things then, and He can do amazing things now. Jesus is more powerful than anything evil, any illness, and anything broken. He does not turn away from our problems and our “ugly emojis,” but He turns toward the ill, the broken, and the scared. He welcomes us and wants us to bring all of our burdens to Him.

• Do you know anyone who is sick or sad right now? Write them a note, or draw them a picture, and tell them that Jesus loves them and is with them.
• Prayer: God, You are so loving and kind! Thank You for always taking care of me and knowing what I need. Help me to always come to You when I feel scared, sad, or sick. Amen.