Have you ever felt desperate for a miraculous touch from God? In Luke 8:40-56, we encounter two powerful stories of faith and healing that remind us of the boundless compassion and power of Jesus Christ.
Reconnect: Continuing the narrative of Luke’s Gospel, the passage in Luke 8:40-56 presents us with poignant accounts of individuals who encounter Jesus in their moments of deepest need. Through these encounters, we witness the transformative impact of faith and the compassionate touch of the Savior.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
Miracles of Healing
40And as Jesus returned, the people welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him. 41And there came a man named Jairus, and he was an official of the synagogue; and he fell at Jesus’ feet, and began to implore Him to come to his house; 42for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him.
43And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, 44came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. 45And Jesus said, “Who is the one who touched Me?” And while they were all denying it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing in on You.” 46But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had gone out of Me.” 47When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
49While He was still speaking, someone came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” 50But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.” 51When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl’s father and mother. 52Now they were all weeping and lamenting for her; but He said, “Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep.” 53And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. 54He, however, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Child, arise!” 55And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He gave orders for something to be given her to eat. 56Her parents were amazed; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened.
Summary Key Points:
- Desperation Meets Faith: In the first story, a synagogue leader named Jairus falls at Jesus’ feet, pleading for Him to come and heal his dying daughter. Despite the urgency of the situation, Jairus demonstrates unwavering faith in Jesus’ ability to bring healing and restoration.
- The Woman with the Issue of Blood: As Jesus journeys to Jairus’ house, a woman who has suffered from a chronic issue of bleeding for twelve years reaches out in faith, believing that if she can just touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, she will be healed. Her bold act of faith is met with immediate healing as Jesus acknowledges her faith and declares her healed.
- Power in Jesus’ Touch: Amidst the crowd pressing around Him, Jesus perceives the touch of faith from the woman and acknowledges her healing. Despite the urgency of Jairus’ situation, Jesus takes the time to address the woman personally, affirming her faith and granting her peace.
- Resurrection Power: Despite receiving news of Jairus’ daughter’s death, Jesus assures him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” Upon arriving at Jairus’ house, Jesus raises the girl from death to life, demonstrating His authority over death itself.
Call to Action:
- Embrace Persistent Faith: Like Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood, let us approach Jesus with persistent faith, trusting in His power to bring healing and restoration to every area of our lives.
- Trust in Jesus’ Timing: Although we may face moments of despair and doubt, let us remember that Jesus works according to His perfect timing. Even when circumstances seem dire, let us hold fast to faith and trust that Jesus is working all things together for our good.
- Bear Witness to God’s Miracles: Just as Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood bore witness to Jesus’ miraculous touch, let us share our testimonies of faith with others. By proclaiming God’s goodness and faithfulness, we can encourage others to trust in Jesus as well.
In the midst of life’s trials and uncertainties, may we be like Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood, boldly reaching out in faith to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let us trust in His unfailing love and power to bring healing, restoration, and resurrection life to every situation we face.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the stories of faith and healing recorded in Your Word. Teach us to trust in Your timing and to approach You with persistent faith, believing that You are able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. May we bear witness to Your miraculous touch in our lives and share Your goodness with those around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
John Golda
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