God’s power at work
Opening Prayer
God, bring life as I read Your Word and let me hear You speaking to me.
Read Luke 8:40-56
[40] Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. [41] Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house [42] because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. [43] And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. [44] She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. [45] “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” [46] But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” [47] Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. [48] Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” [49] While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” [50] Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” [51] When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. [52] Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” [53] They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. [54] But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” [55] Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. [56] Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How did Jesus show value for those in the story?A woman who has been bleeding for 12 years (43) and a 12-year-old girl (42,49) who has just died: both are in need of Jesus’ healing touch. The woman’s illness would have made her an outcast. People would have avoided her so she tried to remain unnoticed, coming up behind Jesus through the crowds that were surrounding him (44). Many people were touching him–but this woman was reaching out in faith, needing Jesus to heal her. She could have slipped away as soon as the bleeding stopped, but Jesus wanted her to testify to what had happened and to heal something deeper in her (45). His words spoke to her identity, ministered peace and affirmed her faith (48). It must have taken courage and humility for Jairus, the synagogue ruler, to come to kneel at Jesus’ feet (41). Jesus wasn’t popular with synagogue-goers in the region (Luke 4:28,29). But Jairus put his status in jeopardy for his daughter’s sake. Jesus also encouraged him to have faith: “Don’t be afraid; just believe. . .” (50).
Apply
Kneel before the Lord and tell him of Your greatest needs. Jesus is still in the business of transforming lives.
Closing prayer
Tender King, thank You that I can come to You with every need and know You care and respond.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.