Matthew Henry Commentary Mark 5:21-34

"And when Jesus had crossed over again in the boat unto the other side, a great multitude was gathered unto him; and he was by the sea. And there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and seeing him, he falleth at his feet, and beseecheth him much, saying, My little daughter is at the point of death: [I pray thee], that thou come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be made whole, and live. And he went with him; and a great multitude followed him, and they thronged him. And a woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, having heard the things concerning Jesus, came in the crowd behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I touch but his garments, I shall be made whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her plague. And straightway Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power [proceeding] from him had gone forth, turned him about in the crowd, and said, Who touched my garments? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague." — Mark 5:21-34 (ASV)

A despised gospel will go where it will be better received. One of the rulers of a synagogue earnestly pleaded with Christ for a little daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. Another cure was performed along the way. We should do good, not only when in the house, but also when we walk by the way (Deuteronomy 6:7). It is common for people not to turn to Christ until they have tried all other helpers in vain and find them, as they certainly will, physicians of no value.

Some run to pleasurable distractions and cheerful company; others plunge into business, or even into intemperance; others seek to establish their own righteousness, or torment themselves with vain superstitions. Many perish in these ways, but no one will ever find rest for the soul by such methods. Meanwhile, those whom Christ heals of the disease of sin find in themselves an entire change for the better. Secret acts of sin are known to the Lord Jesus, as are secret acts of faith.

The woman told all the truth. It is Christ's will that His people should be comforted, and he has power to command comfort to troubled spirits. The more simply we depend on Him and expect great things from him, the more we will find in ourselves that he has become our salvation. Those who, by faith, are healed of their spiritual diseases have reason to go in peace.