
We often worry about what others will think of us. This may prevent us from putting our faith in action. In this week’s story, both Jairus and the woman with the bleeding issue had to take a risk to put their faith into action to become well and whole.
Jairus was the leader of the synagogue, and most Jewish leaders didn’t like Jesus. Yet, he threw himself at the feet of Jesus. This was totally undignified for someone in his position. He pushed aside religious controversy and his pride to make his request of Jesus. For what will this matter if his daughter died? Then the news of the daughter’s death comes. Jesus urged him to keep faith, and so they continued to his home.
Woman with a Bleed
The woman with the bleeding issue was considered unclean. This meant she should warn others, so they don’t touch her and become ceremonially unclean themselves. Yet, she is so sure that if she touches Jesus’ clothing, He will heal her. So she tried to do this in secret. The crowd would be angry if they found out they had unwittingly touched her in the jostling and had been made unclean.
The woman probably thought her plan had worked until Jesus asked who had touched Him. It would have taken even more faith to admit what she had done, not only to Jesus but to the crowd. Mark 5:33 Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” [1]
Genuine Faith
Genuine faith involves action. This theme is found throughout the Bible. The Lord called Noah to build an Ark, but he had to put his faith into action. God called Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. He had to put his faith into action by following the Lord’s directions. It was only when Abraham was about to sacrifice his son that the Lord relented and sent a ram in Isaac’s place.
I believe there are times, if we are honest, when we all struggle to put our faith into action. Sometimes we need to hear the words that the Lord spoke to Joshua when he took over the leadership from Moses. Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.[2] With God’s strength, we can also be strong and courageous, putting our faith into action.
Putting Our Faith into Action is Rewarding
Both Jairus and the woman took risks and had their faith rewarded. Not only this, but their faith grew because of what Jesus did for each of them. Think about how many people through the years have been impacted by this story. Put your faith into action today, and let it guide your actions. As you do, you will see the Lord move in your life in ways you never dreamed of. He can bring wholeness. Remember, spiritual breakthroughs occur one step at a time.
To hear how faith in action brings wholeness, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-that-makes-us-well
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.








