Mark 5:36

Mark 5:36 (KJV) delivers a powerful and concise command from Jesus in a moment of profound crisis, offering a timeless principle for all who face despair: "As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, ‹Be not afraid, only believe.›"

Context

This verse is pivotal in the dramatic narrative of Jairus's daughter. Jairus, a respected ruler of the synagogue, had humbly approached Jesus, pleading for His help as his twelve-year-old daughter lay dying (Mark 5:22-23). As Jesus was on His way to Jairus's house, delayed by the healing of the woman with an issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), messengers arrived with the devastating news: "Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?" It was at this precise moment, when all human hope seemed lost, that Jesus intervened with these words of profound encouragement to Jairus, challenging him to look beyond the dire circumstances.

Key Themes

• Faith Over Fear: The primary message is an urgent call to prioritize trust in God over succumbing to panic or despair. Despite the crushing news of death, Jesus directly addresses Jairus's fear, commanding him to replace it with belief. This theme resonates deeply with other biblical calls to "fear not" in the face of daunting circumstances.
• Jesus's Authority Over Death: By telling Jairus to "only believe," Jesus implicitly declares His power to transcend even death itself. This sets the stage for the miraculous resurrection that follows (Mark 5:41-42), showcasing His divine authority and sovereignty over life and death.
• The Nature of Belief: The "believe" here is not mere intellectual assent but a profound, active trust and reliance on Jesus's ability and willingness to act, even when the situation appears hopeless. It is a belief that looks beyond visible circumstances to the invisible power of God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "Be not afraid" is mē phobou (μὴ φοβοῦ), a common imperative in the New Testament used to calm anxiety and encourage trust. The word for "believe" is pisteuō (πιστεύω), which signifies a deep-seated conviction, trust, and commitment. In this context, it is a call to maintain active faith in Jesus's power despite the seemingly finality of death, a concept also emphasized in Jesus's words to Martha before raising Lazarus (John 11:40).

Practical Application

Mark 5:36 offers immense comfort and challenge for believers today. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, devastating news, or situations that appear beyond human repair, Jesus's words echo: "Be not afraid, only believe." This verse encourages us to:

• Trust God's Sovereignty: Even when our plans fail or tragedy strikes, God remains in control and has the power to intervene.
• Cultivate Active Faith: Belief is not passive resignation but an active choice to trust in God's power and goodness, even when circumstances contradict our hopes.
• Overcome Despair: Jesus's command empowers us to resist the temptation to give up, reminding us that with God, all things are possible for those who believe (Mark 9:23).

This verse serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that Jesus's power extends beyond our limitations and that faith, even a small amount, can unlock divine intervention.