Only Believe

Pastor David Jones

Sunday Morning’s message 6th April 2025

citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF2X6cf0igw

Leader: Please choose what best suits your group and fits time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Choose two or three areas to discuss. Have fun Jesus People!

Opening Prayer

Begin with a short prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion and open hearts to God's Word.

Introduction

In today's study, we focused on the story from Mark 5:35-43, where Jesus teaches the power of faith through the healing of Jairus' daughter and the woman with the issue of blood. Both faced seemingly impossible situations, yet their faith in Jesus led to miraculous healing. Jesus tells Jairus, "Don’t be afraid; just believe," reminding us that fear and faith cannot coexist. Despite the negative voices around them, both Jairus and the woman chose to trust Jesus, and He responded to their faith. This story encourages us to believe in God’s power, regardless of our circumstances, and to guard our hearts from doubt and fear. Faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can lead to transformation

Main Scripture Reading: Mark 5:35-43

"While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”

36 Overhearing[a] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.

After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat."

Discussion Questions

• What stood out to you in the story of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood?

• Take a moment to reflect on what grabbed your attention. Was it Jesus’ reaction to fear or His response to faith?

• How do you think Jairus felt when he first heard the news that his daughter was dead?

• Imagine the fear and hopelessness he may have experienced. How do we react when faced with seemingly impossible situations?

• What does Jesus mean when He tells Jairus, "Don’t be afraid; just believe"?

Discuss the connection between fear and faith. How does fear affect our trust in God? Why is believing in God’s power so important during difficult times?

Read - 1 Peter 5:8

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Jesus asks, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep."

What does this reveal about Jesus’ perspective on death? How can this change the way we view life's challenges and setbacks?

Both Jairus and the woman came to Jesus in faith. What is the significance of their faith despite the different circumstances they faced?

Jairus was a ruler, while the woman was an outcast. How does this remind us that Jesus responds to all who come to Him in faith, no matter their background?

Hebrews 11:1-2

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for."

How do we guard our hearts and minds from negative voices or doubt, like the mourners who laughed at Jesus?

The mourners laughed at Jesus when He said the girl was not dead. How can we be mindful of the voices we listen to, especially when we’re going through tough times?

Remember

Jairus had twelve beautiful years that was about to be extinguished.

The woman had twelve years of agony that seemed hopeless to heal.

Jairus was an important man, the ruler of the synagogue.

The woman was seen as a nobody. We don’t even know her name.

Jairus was probably wealthy, because he was an important man.

The woman was poor because she spent all her money on doctors.

Jairus came publicly

The woman came secretly.

Jairus thought Jesus had to do a lot to heal his daughter

The woman thought all she needed was to touch Jesus’ garment.

Jesus responded to the woman immediately

Jesus responded to Jairus after a delay

Jairus’ daughter was healed secretly

The woman was healed publicly

In both instances Jesus responds to faith and He will respond to you.

Discuss

• Think about a situation in your life where you need to choose faith over fear.

• Are there areas where you’ve been struggling with doubt?

Take a moment to pray for courage to believe in God’s promises.

Group Prayer Time

Encourage everyone to share prayer requests related to faith or situations they are facing. Pray together, focusing on strengthening each other's belief in God’s power.

Closing Thought

Jesus doesn’t require us to have perfect faith; He asks us to believe. No matter what we face, He is always with us, ready to respond to our faith. Let’s walk away today encouraged to trust in His power, just as Jairus and the woman did, knowing that He is always faithful to heal, restore, and provide.