Fifth and Sixth Sundays after Pentecost: Mark 4:35-41 and Mark 5:21-43

Abstract

The two lectionary texts discussed in this essay narrate the story of Jesus’ calming the storm in Mark 4:35–41 and the interrelated stories of Jesus’ healing the woman with a twelve-year flow of blood and the restoration of life for the twelve-year-old daughter of Jairus in Mark 5:21–43. Contemporary audiences may view such reported miracles quite skeptically, whereas Jesus’ contemporaries would expect a charismatic and holy person to possess power to heal and do extraordinary things. These stories about Jesus’ healing and rescuing powers do more than simply highlight his power to work miracles. Skillfully told to engage hearers, the stories focus as well on the fear and faith (or lack thereof) of those who benefit from Jesus’ saving interventions. This essay seeks to demonstrate how, in hopeless and death-threatening situations, these stories still invite us to continue to trust in God’s merciful presence that we experience in Jesus, whom we continue to ponder as both our human companion and the risen Lord.