1. Mark 5:21–43 (ESV)
  2. Structure and outline

The way in which Mark 5:21-43 fits within the broader unit of Mark 4:35-5:43

Mark 5:21–43 (ESV)

21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea.

First, these stories are grouped together by their location around the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:39; Mark 5:1, Mark 5:21). Second, they centre around the same themes. They provide further content to the disciples’ question, Who then is this? (Mark 4:41), by displaying Jesus’ miraculous power—not just over nature (Mark 4:35–41) and evil (Mark 5:1–20)—but sickness (Mark 5:24–34) and death (Mark 5:21–24a, Mark 5:35–43) as well. Jesus’ power continues to strike the reader when set against the backdrop of utter desperation and despair (Mark 4:37–38; Mark 5:3–5, Mark 5:26, Mark 5:35). Mark continues to commend faith (Mark 4:40; Mark 5:28, Mark 5:34, Mark 5:36) instead of fear (Mark 4:41; Mark 5:15, Mark 5:17, Mark 5:33, Mark 5:36) as the appropriate response to Jesus.