Mark Chapter 5, Part 4 – Do Not Be Afraid, Only Believe
Ministry Updates & Prayer Requests
- Continue to pray for Pastor Martin and Sue—giving thanks for His healing
- Pastor and Sue attended the BIC Pacific Conference
- Pray for Susie and family
- Keep Deb & Tom in prayer for continued healing
- Tim & Mary – continued healing
- 21-day fast (Day 15): Praise, thanksgiving, and direction in ministry
Upcoming Services
- Palm Sunday – March 29 (10:00 AM)
- Good Friday – April 3 (6:30 PM)
- Resurrection Sunday – April 5
- Sunrise Service: 6:00 AM
- Resurrection Service: 9:30 AM
“Do Not Be Afraid; Only Believe” (Mark 5:35–36)
[Mark 5:35-36 NKJV]
35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
In this moment of devastation, Jesus speaks directly to fear and replaces it with faith.
The Meaning of “Believe” – Greek Word Study
- Pisteuō (πιστεύω) – to believe, trust, be persuaded, place confidence in
- Pistis (πίστις) – faith; a firm conviction that Jesus is the Messiah and Savior
This is the same faith referenced earlier in Mark 5:34:
“Daughter, your faith has made you well.”
Faith is not just acknowledgment—it is trust placed fully in Jesus Christ.
Faith: A Question Jesus Still Asks Today
Jesus repeatedly ties miracles to belief:
- [Mark 9:23] “If you can believe, all things are possible…”
- [Matthew 9:29] “According to your faith let it be to you.”
This echoes the defining question:
[Matthew 16:15]
“Who do you say that I am?”
This is not just a question for the disciples—it is a question for every one of us.
A Sobering Reality: What People Believe About Jesus
Research shows a divided understanding of who Jesus is:
- 92% believe Jesus was a real person
- Only about 56% believe He is God
- Many view Him as only a teacher or prophet
- Roughly 40% profess true faith in Christ
This is why we continue equipping the saints and proclaiming truth.
The Call to Know God – Psalm 100
[Psalm 100:1-5 NKJV]
This psalm reminds us:
- The LORD (Yahweh) is God
- We are His people
- We are called to praise, thank, and worship Him
The world must understand this truth:
God is God—and we are not.
Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:37–43)
Jesus enters the house with Peter, James, and John.
Despite the mourning crowd, He declares:
“The child is not dead, but sleeping.”
They ridicule Him—but Jesus removes unbelief from the room.
Then He speaks:
“Talitha, cumi” – “Little girl, arise.”
Immediately:
- She rises
- She walks
- Life is restored
A Message for Those Who Are Grieving
This passage reminds us:
- Jesus has compassion
- Jesus sees our sorrow
- Jesus has authority over death
While not all are physically healed, all who believe are spiritually healed and given eternal life.
Jesus Has Authority Over Life and Death
[John 5:24–29 NKJV]
- Those who believe have passed from death into life
- Jesus holds authority over resurrection and judgment
Jesus declares:
[John 14:6 NKJV]
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Why Some Are Healed—and Others Are Not
This is a difficult but important truth:
- Not all receive physical healing
- But 100% of believers receive eternal life
God uses:
- Healing
- Suffering
- Even death
…to draw people to Himself.
More Examples of Jesus Raising the Dead
- Widow’s son – Luke 7:11–17
- Lazarus – John 11:21–45
In each case:
- Jesus shows compassion
- Jesus reveals His identity
- People are drawn to believe
Our Eternal Hope in Christ
For believers:
- Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20–21)
- To be absent from the body is to be with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8)
- Jesus is coming again (Revelation 1:7–8)
God promises:
- Death will be swallowed up forever (Isaiah 25:8)
- Every tear will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4)
Final Question
Once again, the most important question remains:
👉 Who do you say Jesus is?
Your answer determines everything—your faith, your future, and your eternity.
Join us next week as we continue our verse-by-verse study through the Gospel of Mark. Let us remain steadfast in faith, walk in love, and share the mercy of Christ — for He calls sinners to repentance and to life.
— Valley Christian Church
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