13^th Sunday in Ordinary Week-B

Mark 5:21-43

The Approaches That Lay Hold of Jesus’ Authority: How Approach Jesus?

I Reading: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24

II Reading: 2Cor 8:7. 9. 1

How can a person lay hold of Jesus and His power? This passage deals specially with the desperate and hopeless person; it shows how the desperate person can approach Jesus and secure His help in any situation.

1.     The crowds gathered around Jesus (v.21)

2.     Scene 1: A ruler’s desperate approach (v.22-24)

a.     A selfless attitude

b.    A humble attitude

c.      A pleading attitude

d.    An expectant, believing attitude

e.      The result: Jesus grants the desperate request

3.     Scene 2: A woman’s hopeless approach (v.25-34)

a.     A last-resort attitude

b.    A shy, embarrassed, unworthy attitude

c.      An expectant, believing attitude

d.    A confessing attitude

1)    The cost of service to Jesus

2)    The insensitivity of the apostles

3)    The confession of the woman

e.      The result: Jesus grants the hopeless request

4.     Scene 3: A ruler’s believing approach (v.35-43)

a.     Not a fearful, despairing attitude

1)    Devastating circumstances

2)    The answer to the terrible circumstances: Jesus’ challenge

b.    Not a wailing, whining attitude

1)    Social customs and influences: to express hopelessness

2)    The answer: Jesus’ comfort and assurances

c.      Not a sarcastic, sceptical attitude

d.    An obedient attitude: The parents follow Jesus despite the sarcasm

e.      Jesus grants the believer’s request

1)    The power of Jesus

2)    The amazement of the family

3)    The thoughtfulness of Jesus

Thought: When all else fails, there is Jesus to heal and help the person provided there is a deep faith in the power of Jesus.

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