2026-04-26 Don't Fear, Only Believe
by Pastor Chris Berg
Scripture Reference: Mark 5:21-43
21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”
32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”
36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Mandeville Bible Church "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"
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217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448
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AI notes from Pocket:
Sermon Structure Outline
I. Introduction: The Sandwich Structure
The teaching explores Mark 5:21-43, utilizing a literary "sandwich" structure. This technique frames the story of the hemorrhaging woman within the narrative of Jairus and his dying daughter. The two accounts are inextricably linked to illustrate a singular lesson on the nature of faith versus fear.
II. The Outer Layer: Jairus’ Desperation
Jairus, a synagogue leader, approaches Jesus in a state of crisis. His daughter is at the point of death. His faith is characterized by urgency and a specific request for physical touch ("lay your hands on her"). Jesus agrees to go, but the journey is immediately interrupted.
III. The Center: The Hemorrhaging Woman
A woman suffering for 12 years—physically, financially, and socially—seeks healing in secret.
• The Mixed Faith: She believes touching Jesus’ garment is sufficient, bordering on a superstitious view of his clothing.
• The Public Correction: Jesus refuses to let the healing remain private. He calls her out not to embarrass her, but to correct her "confused faith." He clarifies that it was not the garment, but her faith in Him that made her whole.
IV. The Resolution: From Fear to Belief
The delay caused by the woman leads to the news that Jairus’ daughter has died. Jesus provides the core thesis of the message: "Do not fear, only believe." He enters the home, excludes the mourning crowd, and raises the girl, demonstrating absolute authority over death and timing.
Key Scripture References
• Mark 5:21-43: The primary text covering Jairus’ daughter and the hemorrhaging woman.
• Mark 1:15: The call to repent and believe the gospel.
• Mark 11:22: The command to "Have faith in God," emphasizing the correct object of faith.
• Hebrews 11:1: The definition of faith as the assurance of things hoped for and conviction of things not seen.
Audience Reflection Section
• The Object of Faith: Is your faith placed in "faith itself," or in a specific religious tradition, or is it placed squarely in the finished work of Christ?
• Superstition vs. Trust: Do you treat spiritual practices as "charms" to ensure a good outcome (like the woman touching the hem), or do you trust the Person of Jesus regardless of the immediate circumstances?
• The Problem of Delay: How do you respond when Jesus seems "interrupted" or delayed in answering your crisis? Can you maintain belief when the situation moves from "critical" to "too late"?
Actionable Takeaways
• Audit Your Traditions: Identify if any personal or church traditions have become "sacraments" or superstitions that you rely on more than Christ Himself.
• Choose Faith Over Fear: In moments of crisis, consciously replace the physiological response of fear with the theological commitment to trust Jesus' timing.
• Clarify the Gospel: Move beyond "platitudes" (e.g., "Jesus in your heart") to a specific understanding of the Gospel: Christ’s death for sin and His resurrection as the victory over death.
• Community Engagement: Note the upcoming Men’s Bible Study (Romans) and the Men’s Breakfast to foster grounded theological community
