Tag: Luke 8
Seeing life with faith
Scripture reading for March 13: Luke 8
“While He was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” And when He came to the house, He allowed no one to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but He said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at Him, knowing she was dead. But taking her by the hand, He called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once.” Luke 8:49-55
Jesus Christ was constantly at work, doing His Father’s will. He saw the world He lived in from God’s perspective and asked the Father for His will. He was constantly calling His disciples to see each person and situation through eyes of faith. In this recorded incident, Jesus was approached by a ruler in the synagogue for help with his only daughter who was dying. Jesus immediately agreed to go to his home. He was interrupted on the way by a woman who reached out to touch His garment, believing that if she could just touch His garment, she would be healed of an embarrassing illness. Jesus took time to call her out and declare that her faith had healed her body! But then the news of the daughter’s death reached the father, Jairus, and Jesus. Jesus called Jairus to give up fear and believe, promising healing.
Upon arrival, there was a crowd of mourners. Jesus told them not to weep because she was only sleeping. They ‘knew’ she was dead, and laughed at Jesus! Jesus saw her awakening, the crowd saw no life. Jesus took only Peter, James, and John and the parents to where the child lay. He simply spoke with authority, “Child, arise.” All were amazed as the child got up! In the world view of faith, all things are possible to those who believe!
Have you ever thought you knew something to be true, only to find out it wasn’t as you believed? In this story, who would you most identify with: Jairus or the crowd of mourners? Why do you think Jesus limited those who would witness this miracle?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing patience and call to us to have faith in You and Your Word. Forgive me for seeing things only in the natural wisdom and world view. Invite me to join You as You minister to those in impossible situations and increase my faith! Amen.
Good Seed for good soil!
Scripture reading for March 14th: Luke 8
Key scriptures for over-comers: Luke 8:8-9,15 “Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When He said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” His disciples asked Him what this parable meant. . . .But the seed on the good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
Jesus taught the people as well as His disciples with parables. These were stories about common events and illustrations take from the culture and time they lived in. These stories contained spiritual truths that only those with humble and teachable hearts could grasp. Those who were proud and arrogant could not understand the truth and would not come to Jesus for help in understanding. His disciples asked for help and found understanding.
Hearts that are like the ‘good’ soil are open to listen to Jesus and the stories He told. They listen with hungry hearts to learn more and apply it to their own lives. They lay hold of the truths (the Good Seed) and retain them, patiently working them into their thinking. This produces a crop over time that is multiplied ‘a hundred times’ what was sown! In other words, receiving Jesus’ word brings awesome rewards!
Observations for over-comers: A humble and teachable heart that receives God’s word and seeks to understand and apply it is precious in God’s sight. As you persevere, He will reward you with a great harvest! “Then He said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.” (Ezekiel 3:3)
Confronting death with faith!
Scripture reading for March 13th: Luke 8
When you have a child that is sick and near death, desperate measures are called for! Jairus was a ruler in the synagogue who had a daughter that was near death. He made haste to find Jesus and knelt before Him, pleading for assistance! Jesus willingly accompanied him to bring what was needed.
Jesus was at the height of His ministry and many people were crowding around Him as he traveled. “And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind Him and touched the edge of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.” (Luke 8:44) Jesus asked who had touched Him because He felt power go out from Him. The woman came and knelt at His feet, telling why she had touched Him. Jesus declared to her that her faith had healed her!
In the meantime, servants came from Jairus’ home telling him not to bother the Master any more, his daughter was dead! Jesus spoke to him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” (Luke 8:50) Faith is a necessary ingredient to receive healing from the Lord. Fear comes to take us away from trusting in Jesus. Many people only trust what they see or hear as truth. With Jesus, we must believe His Word and receive what He promises!
On arrival, many were wailing and mourning the child’s death. Jesus told them to stop for the child was not dead, but sleeping. They laughed at Him. “But He took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up.” (Luke 8:54-55) Jesus confronted death with faith and brought healing in an impossible situation! Don’t be afraid, only believe!