Hopeless to Healed

The first time Jesus crossed over He commanded nature to obey.

Then Jesus encounters a man possessed and commands the evil spirits to leave (which they did and they did not return).

This is the set up for what Jesus does next…

Luke 8:40–44 “40 When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Just then, a man named Jairus came. He was a leader of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus’s feet and pleaded with him to come to his house, 42 because he had an only daughter about twelve years old, and she was dying. While he was going, the crowds were nearly crushing him. 43 A woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years, who had spent all she had on doctors and yet could not be healed by any, 44 approached from behind and touched the end of his robe… Mark 5:28–29 “28 For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I’ll be made well.” 29 Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was healed of her affliction.” Luke 8:45–51 “45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds are hemming you in and pressing against you.” 46 “Someone did touch me,” said Jesus. “I know that power has gone out from me.” 47 When the woman saw that she was discovered, she came trembling and fell down before him. In the presence of all the people, she declared the reason she had touched him and how she was instantly healed. 48 “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” 49 While he was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” 50 When Jesus heard it, he answered him, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe, and she will be saved.” 51 After he came to the house, he let no one enter with him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s father and mother. Luke 8:52–56 “52 Everyone was crying and mourning for her. But he said, “Stop crying, because she is not dead but asleep.” 53 They laughed at him, because they knew she was dead. 54 So he took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he gave orders that she be given something to eat. 56 Her parents were astounded, but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened.”

The first person we encounter is Jairus, he is a man of some authority in the local synagogue.

Jairus is a parent and like any parent he is willing to do anything for his child, especially a child who is sick, hurting and facing death.

Jairus took a position of utter humility and begged.

When in need the best place to be is on your face before Jesus.

We will get back to Jairus in a minute because in the middle of Jesus going to his house we meet our second person.

We do not know her name but what we do know is that she has a medical condition (a flow of blood or an issue of blood) - most likely related to female reproduction but not sure exactly what.

But the “what” is not as important…

She has been dealing with her illness for 12 years. It would have affected her relationships, blood would have kept her ritually “unclean” so it would have affected her ability to worship too.

The doctors could not give her and answer of help her find relief in those 12 years… she was desperate.

God often moves when we reach the limit of our abilities.

She exhausted all the human knowledge she could find, the doctors and I imagine clergy too.

She exhausted all her finances on those doctors looking over and over for an answer and a cure.

Get a hold of Jesus, there’s nothing He cannot fix.

She knew something happened - you can feel God work.

Now, back to Jairus.

He had done all he could, Jesus was on the way, but all these people slowed Him down and then that woman…

This is when he received the announcement - your daughter is dead.

Why the stop to engage this woman? Jesus could have let he be healed and kept moving.

In Jairus’ mind, the delay cost him his daughter.

Experience builds faith, faith leads to miracles.

Faith is vital to seeing Jesus move - the woman’s faith made her whole, Jesus told Jairus to have faith and his daughter would be made well.