The Miracles and the Ministry of the Messiah in the Book of Mark
Week 9: “The Impossible Becomes Possible When You Encounter Jesus!" (Mark 5:21-43)
Crossroads Community Church
Rev. Ricky A. Rohrig Sr., Founding Pastor
May 17, 2015
I talk with a lot of people in the course a week. Lately there have been several people that have brokenness, turmoil, trouble, or uncertainties that have challenged their faith, stretched them physically and emotionally, and may have even had them question what to do, why they are going through, or how they will handle it. One thing is for sure, life happens. Enjoy the mountain top experiences because life has its share of valleys too.
So many of the people I talk to, pray with and pray for are so consumed about everything that is going on around them, and concerned about others in their lives that they forget to take care of themselves. I want you to make sure if this describes you today or this past week, that you take the time to refuel your body with food, exercise, and plenty of rest and sleep. To refocus your priorities, and to recharge your spiritual battery by refocusing, rejuvenating, and rekindling your relationship with God on a regular basis.
Today’s a new day, a new opportunity, and another let go and let God, to love Jesus unconditionally, and the let the Holy Spirit lead and guide you. I have a word from the Lord for you today. I am going to be ministering and teaching from this thought, “The Impossible Becomes Possible When You Encounter Jesus!” Somebody needs to know that and let that resonate in your spirit today, “The Impossible Becomes Possible When You Encounter Jesus!” Turn to your neighbor and repeat after me, say neighbor, “The Impossible Becomes Possible When You Encounter Jesus!”
If you have your Bibles will you turn to the book of Mark, the 5th chapter starting at the 21st verse.
As you’re turning there let me set up the scene for you; Jesus has just come from casting out demons into a herd of pigs which Elder Jeff Ross preached on two weeks ago. Jesus instructed the man that he healed to go home and tell his friends what had happened. Now, Jesus is getting to be known in an area called Decapolis, a district of 10 cities east of Jordan and south of the Sea of Galilee.
In verses 21-43 we something unusual in scripture, we have two stories and miracles that are intertwined. This is the first of five times this happens in Mark’s gospel and is known by scholars as intercalation or more informally called Markan sandwiches. This is the premise of what we are about to see and hear; one story is started, a second story is told in its entirety, then the first story is finished. The result is a complex narrative in which these two stories interact with one another in important ways.
1. The Concern –Mark 5:21-24
Mark 5:21-24
21 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.
22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
2. The Chaos – Mark 5:25-33
Mark 5:25-33
25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
3. The Compassion – Mark 5:34
Mark 5:34
34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
4. The Continuation – Mark 5:35
Mark 5:35
35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
5. The Challenge – Mark 5:36
Mark 5:36
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
6. The Crusade – Mark 5:37-38
Mark 5:37-38
37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
7. The Clarification – Mark 5:39
Mark 5:39
39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
8. The Commotion – Mark 5:40
Mark 5:40
40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
9. The Convincing – Mark 5:41-43
Mark 5:41-43
41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
10. The Challenge – For you today
The things that happen in your life are not coincidence they happen for a reason. We should not question God but believe in God. That means there are going to be times in your life when life doesn’t make sense, your pain seems unbearable, and your life may seem to be spiraling terribly out of control. It is in those times in your life that you need to trust God, commit to the ministry of Jesus and Christ, and believe that Holy Spirit will point you in the right direction. God loves you and created you for you to be a blessing to others while glorifying Him. As you seek your what your purpose in life is and how to fulfill it through the spiritual giftedness that God has in dwelt you with, I encourage you today, if you have not already to give it all over to God today, your thoughts, your worries, your stresses, your anxiety, your depression, your addictions, your children, your spouse, your entire life, today to God. If you have not completely and wholly surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, if you need to recommit, are a candidate for baptism, or just need help, advise, or prayer in an area of your life that you cannot seem to manage. I ask you to come down give it over to God and let Him do the rest as we continue to worship God and lift up Jesus by singing and praising Him one last time.
