Mark 4:35-5:43.  In this group of stories, the disciples learn that Jesus has great power, and that their faith in him should help them to overcome irrational fear.

1. A great windstorm threatens to capsize the boat where Jesus lies sleeping.  They awaken him in fear, but Jesus rebukes the wind – and then the disciples.  They should have trusted him through the storm (4:35-41).
2. A woman works her way through the crowd to touch his garment, and she is healed.  Jesus confronts her and calms her fear.  She had no reason to fear the one who came to heal her (5:24b-34).
3. Jairus sought healing for his little daughter, but by the time Jesus got to his house, he was told it was too late.  She was dead.  Jesus told him not to fear.  To Jesus, the dead are merely asleep. He woke her up (5:21-24a, 35-43).
4. It was the demons who rightly feared Jesus.  Having witnessed the loss of the pigs, the Gerasenes irrationally asked him to leave their region! (5:1-20).

LORD, we have faith in you and your ministry. Help us to overcome irrational fears, and welcome your Holy Spirit’s presence and power in our lives.