Definition: As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 5:36. It's a really important and touching part of the story about Jesus healing a woman who was dying. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A Woman is Dying: The text describes a woman experiencing a terrible illness – she’s dying, and her life is ending. She’s suffering greatly. Jesus Finds Her: Jesus arrives and notices this woman. He Speaks to the Leader: He tells the leader of the synagogue (a group of people gathered for prayer and worship) to tell the people that it's okay. What Jesus Says – The Key Message: “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.” “As soon as…” : This means immediately . Jesus didn’t wait. “He saith” : This is a formal way of saying “he said.” It emphasizes his immediate action and importance. “To the ruler of the synagogue…” : He's speaking to someone in charge of the group, giving him responsibility for telling the people. “Be not afraid…” : This is a crucial part. Jesus isn’t saying she doesn’t need to be afraid. He’s reassuring her – she doesn’t need to worry. “…only believe.” : This is the core of the message. It's not enough for her to just be calm; she needs to trust in Jesus. What it Means - A Powerful Message About Faith: This verse essentially says: Trusting in Jesus, even when you’re scared or uncertain, is the most important thing. It’s a call to have faith and surrender your worries to Jesus. Why is this significant? This passage is often interpreted as a demonstration of Jesus' power and love. It highlights that his ministry isn’t just about healing physical ailments – it’s about offering comfort, hope, and the strength to believe in something greater. It emphasizes that faith itself can be transformative. --- To help me explain this further or answer any specific questions you might have, could you tell me: What are you particularly interested in learning from this passage? (e.g., its context, its meaning, its symbolism?)