Not to Act is to Act
“Silence in the face of evil is evil itself… Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian and pastor who lived during the time of Nazi Germany. Known for his profound theological writings and his courageous resistance to the Nazi regime, Bonhoeffer’s life and work reflect a deep commitment to the gospel, discipleship and an unwavering obedience to Jesus Christ, even in the face of opposition or persecution.
In Mark 5, we are immersed in the story of two miracles that resonate with Bonhoeffer’s understanding of faith, discipleship, and the call to action in the face of suffering. Jesus heals a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years, and He raises a synagogue leader's (Jairus’) daughter from the dead. The woman with the issue of blood had endured years of physical suffering, isolation, and social stigma, since her condition made her ritually unclean under Jewish law. Desperate for healing, she reaches out to touch Jesus' cloak, believing that merely touching His garment would make her well. Her faith is rewarded, and she is healed instantly. Similarly, Jairus’ daughter’s death seems final, yet Jesus defies death by taking her hand and commanding her to rise, demonstrating His authority over both illness and death.
Bonhoeffer’s theology was deeply shaped by the theme of resurrection, particularly in his understanding of hope amidst despair. In his most famous work, The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer argues that following Christ requires radical obedience and a willingness to embrace suffering, just as Christ embraced the cross. This "costly grace" is contrasted with "cheap grace," which Bonhoeffer describes as grace that demands nothing from the believer and leads to a superficial faith.
In Mark 5:21-43, we see two individuals—Jairus and the woman—who approach Jesus in desperate need, risking social stigma and public shame. The woman, in particular, exemplifies the kind of faith that Bonhoeffer describes: a faith that is willing to step out in vulnerability and trust in the power of Christ. Similarly, Jesus’ raising of Jairus’ daughter points to the ultimate hope that in the face of death and despair, Jesus brings life and renewal. In both cases, healing came not from a superficial engagement with Jesus, but from a deep, personal encounter with Him. Bonhoeffer would likely point to these intertwined stories as examples of the kind of faith that is willing to risk everything for the sake of Christ, even in the face of suffering and death.
Bonhoeffer, too, lived with the conviction that God’s power is greater than death and that even in the darkest moments, God’s love and power prevail. Ultimately, Bonhoeffer’s strong opposition to the Nazi interference in the Church cost him his life. But despite being imprisoned by the Nazis and facing the prospect of death, Bonhoeffer remained firm in his belief that death does not have the final word. This is beautifully illustrated in his letters from prison where he continues to reflect on the hope of the resurrection and the coming of God’s kingdom, even as he faces execution: “May God in His mercy lead us through these times; but above all, may He lead us to Himself.”
Bonhoffer was executed by the Nazis just a few days before his concentration camp was liberated by the Allies and a few weeks shy of the end of World War II.
At the end of his life, Bonhoeffer was not afraid (v. 5:36); rather his faith was steadfast and he kept believing. His life, works, and execution are a challenge to all Christians to embrace a faith that is willing to confront suffering and death with the hope of the resurrection.
~ Originally from PA, Jennifer Korinchak became smitten with the Lake Norman area back in the early 2000s. She has lived here since 2014 and has been attending Life Fellowship with her husband Nate, and son Caleb since 2020.