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Explore the Bible Lesson for March 24: Restores
Mike Parry, member, North Wake Church, Wake Forest
March 11, 2019
2 MIN READ TIME

Explore the Bible Lesson for March 24: Restores

Explore the Bible Lesson for March 24: Restores
Mike Parry, member, North Wake Church, Wake Forest
March 11, 2019

Focal passage: Mark 5:21–43

Devoting his life to serving a leper colony in Hawaii, Damien de Veuster began his ministry to islanders in 1864. He is famously quoted for saying, “I make myself a leper with the lepers to gain all to Jesus Christ.” Mother Theresa noted a few things that stood out about Damien’s ministry: he removed fear from their hearts and gave them “hope in being cured.”

This missionary brought Christ to both a physically and spiritually sick people group. De Veuster himself contracted leprosy not long into his ministry. Although he was unable to physically heal himself or any of the people he went to minister to, he did make himself available to serve and share Christ.

A Greek word that means “to heal” is used twice in verses 28-34. The word can also mean “to save.” The sick woman in the passage responds to Jesus’ healing power by “trembling with fear” and she tells Jesus “the whole truth.”

The language suggests Christ has not merely healed the woman physically. More importantly, He appears to have offered her spiritual healing. Just as Jesus used sickness as a metaphor for sin in Mark 2:17, He uses physical healing as a means to highlight both His power and salvation.

A similar experience occurs in Jairus’ story as well. Jesus’ comment to Jairus in verse 36, “Do not be afraid; just believe,” coupled with the specific act of healing Jairus’ daughter, makes it evident. There is spiritual healing and physical healing.

The people group De Veuster served were brought to faith in Christ. They were restored to a right relationship with God through salvation. Having that same faith, who will you share this salvation with?