
When you have a desperate need, you’re willing to do desperate things.
• Desperation makes us humble.
And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”… 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” —Mark 5:21-28
Brokenness brings us to a place of surrender.
• In our brokenness, God draws near.
Surrender creates space for fearless faith.
• Faith pushes through people.
And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. —Mark 5:24
• Faith pushes through pain.
And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?”… 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” —Mark 5:29-34
• Faith pushes through disappointment.
While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” —Mark 5:35-36
Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking… —Mark 5:41-42
Jesus has complete authority, and yet He is completely accessible to us.
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Talk About It
The Gospel according to Mark demonstrates God’s power and authority over all creation while also revealing how attentive and accessible Jesus is to us. Jairus and the suffering woman both had desperate needs that pushed them through people, pain and disappointment to demonstrate their faith in a desperate way. When everything is going well, it’s easy to disconnect or drift from God. Sometimes, God will allow desperate needs in our lives as a way of drawing us closer to Him. Desperation makes us humble, and brokenness brings us to a place of surrender. Surrender makes space for God to draw near and build fearless faith in us.
(Mark 5:21-43)
Discussion questions:
- Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
- Read Mark 5:23-26. Why do you think God doesn’t always intervene when we think He should? How have desperate situations drawn you closer to God?
- How do you think Jairus felt when Jesus stopped to heal the woman while his daughter was dying? How do you usually respond when it seems like God is helping others but not answering your prayer? What might God be doing in your heart during seasons of waiting?
- Read Mark 5:28-43. Both people believed Jesus could heal with just a word or a touch. What does that say about His authority—and how should that build our faith to trust Him?
- Look for one moment this week where you allow yourself to be interrupted by choosing people over your plans. Ask:“What would it look like to allow this interruption to become a moment of ministry?”
- Is there a situation in your life right now that feels beyond hope? What would it look like to “fall at Jesus’ feet” with it?
Take a Step
- Bring your desperate needs to God in prayer. Surrender them to Him and ask Him to build your faith in the waiting.
Here’s My Prayer
Lord, thank You that You have complete power and authority over all creation and every situation. You are a God who heals, restores, and brings dead things to life. There is no need too great, no heart too broken, no moment too late for You.
I trust Your power, I surrender my fears, and I believe You are building my faith in the waiting. I bring my desperate needs to You, knowing that my desperation makes space for more of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.