As Mark’s “miracles” section continues, he intensifies the drama and power of these events by once again “intercalating” or “sandwiching” two seemingly separate stories together. The raising from death of synagogue leader Jairus’ young daughter and the healing of the un-named, wholly miserable hemorrhaging woman would seem at first glance to have virtually nothing in common — except, of course, their miraculous outcomes. Yet Mark masterfully molds these two events into a single narrative that exemplifies the unquenchable power of faith based upon the power and person of Jesus.

Jesus and his disciples take another voyage, crossing back to the “Jewish side” of the Sea of Galilee. Immediately the crowds he had sailed away from in 4:35 reassemble and crush about him. Out of this huge assembly a…