The God Who Can Do Both

Understanding God’s Unlimited Care and Attention (Mark 5:21-43)

When unexpected moments occur, we often see people’s true character revealed. This principle applies not just to human relationships, but also to understanding who God truly is. Through the story in Mark 5:21-43, we witness Jesus revealing His true nature in responding to multiple urgent needs simultaneously.

What Does the Story in Mark 5 Tell Us About Jesus?

The passage presents two desperate situations: Jairus, a synagogue leader whose daughter is dying, and an unnamed woman who has been bleeding for 12 years. Both individuals approach Jesus with urgent needs, though in different ways.

The Desperate Father

Jairus, despite his high status, humbles himself by falling at Jesus’ feet. His daughter is dying, and he believes Jesus is his only hope. This shows that regardless of social position, everyone needs Jesus.

The Suffering Woman

The woman with the bleeding condition has spent everything she has on treatments that didn’t work. Considered unclean by society, she risks everything to touch Jesus’ cloak, believing this simple act would heal her.

How Does Jesus Handle Multiple Urgent Needs?

Instead of prioritizing one need over another, Jesus demonstrates He can handle both situations simultaneously. When the woman touches His cloak, He stops – despite the urgency of Jairus’ situation – to acknowledge her healing and restore her dignity by calling her “daughter.”

What Does This Teach Us About God’s Character?

Three key truths emerge from this story:

1. God’s care transcends our perceived boundaries
2. His attentiveness isn’t limited by multiple needs
3. His love isn’t restricted by our human concepts of priority

Common Misconceptions About God’s Attention

Many believe:

• God is too busy for their problems
• Their needs are too small compared to others
• They must wait their turn for God’s attention

These are all false. God can attend to everyone simultaneously without diminishing His care for each individual.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to:

1. Bring ALL your concerns to God, not just the “big” ones
2. Stop comparing your needs to others
3. Trust that God can handle multiple situations at once

Ask yourself:

• Am I holding back from bringing certain concerns to God?
• Do I believe God cares about my “small” problems?
• How can I better trust God’s ability to care for me while He cares for others?

Remember: The care, attentiveness, and love of God are greater than any boundaries we put on them. He is the God who can do both – handle the urgent and the inconvenient, the big and the small, your needs and everyone else’s, all at the same time.