Do You Believe? | January 20, 2018
Do You Believe? – January 20, 2018
Introduction: Following Jesus -> John -> Inner Circle (Peter, James, John)
Big Idea: Faith can change your world.
Scripture: Luke 8:40-56 (ESV)
Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. – Luke 8:40-42a (ESV)
Point One: Hope for the Hopeless (v40-42a)
- Jesus’ reputation was spreading because of His miracles (so Jarius, who was a leader in the local synagogue, sought out Jesus when he had no other hope)
- When faced with a situation as difficult as death, we find that many of our philosophies and worldviews fall short of giving us comfort (this is not so with Christ – He died so that we may live)
- This world will fail you if you place your hope in it (turn to Jesus before He is your only option)
- Jesus was known throughout Israel for His compassion (do we share that reputation?)
As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” – Luke 8:42b-48 (ESV)
Point Two: Reaching Out in Faith (v42b-48)
- As Jesus was on His way to Jarius’ home, someone reached out in faith to be healed (and Jesus sensed that someone had touched His garment)
- Luke (the author) was also a physician and notes here that this woman was not able to be healed by the doctors of their day (her bleeding also made her ceremonially unclean)
- Religious decorum of the day would have prevented an unclean person from coming in contact with a rabbi (faith in Jesus trumps traditions and precedent)
- The power Jesus has is the same Holy Spirit that is available to us today (it is giving freely to us who do not deserve it, for we are all unclean in the presence of the Most Holy God)
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 that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened. – Luke 8:49-56 (ESV)
Point Three: Power Over Death (v49-56)
- While He stopped to heal the woman, Jarius’ daughter died (but Jesus says ‘do not fear, only believe’)
- This was one of three people the Bible records Jesus raising from the dead before His own resurrection
- According to Scripture, there was no death before sin entered the world (and there is no death for those who believe in and follow Jesus because we share in His Holy Spirit)
- When faced with a hopeless situation, do you seek Jesus or do you laugh and scoff at those who dare believe?
Conclusion: Faith can change your world. Apart from Jesus, this world has no hope. If this is all that there is, then why do people still turn to God in mass when things fall apart? Faith in Jesus is essential, but it is also dangerous because it upsets the status quo. However, without faith, there can be no healing for our broken souls. Our Father in Heaven loves you and wants you to be with Him in eternity, but that can only happen if you turn away from the things of this world and begin to follow Jesus with your whole heart. Yes, you will fall short, but that is why there is forgiveness in Christ. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live within us so that we can share in His power over death. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Our bold faith should be shaping the world around us as we compassionately help others find freedom in Christ. Reach out to Jesus in faith today, for He is our only hope in this dark and dying world.
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