A Word for Today | Luke 8:49-56
The miracle account that begins in Luke 8:40 tells of a synagogue ruler named Jairus whose daughter was dying and a woman who had suffered for many years. On the way to Jairus’ house, the suffering woman touched Jesus in faith and was healed. While Jesus was speaking with her, a messenger came from Jairus’ home with sad news: “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more” (Lk. 8:49). Jesus responded in a surprising way, saying: “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well” (Lk. 8:50). What a remarkable response! Yet because of who Jesus is, we should always trust, knowing that He can reverse even death itself in blessing those who believe.
Consider the obstacles that had to be overcome for this man to continue trusting in Jesus. First was the evidence he faced. When he went to Jesus, his daughter was already in dire shape; verse 42 says she “was dying.” How frustrated he must have been when Jesus took time to speak with the suffering whom who had touched Him on the way. “My daughter is dying!” he would have thought. Now, the news comes that Jesus has been too late. The facts were what they were, and this evidence would have discouraged Jairus from trusting in Jesus.
Not only did the evidence discourage his faith, but so also did the unbelief of other people. For when they finally came to his home, the people there “all were weeping and mourning for her” (Lk. 8:52). But Jesus challenged them, saying, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping” (Lk. 8:52). Luke tells us that they “laughed at him, knowing that she was dead” (Lk. 8:53). Who did this person think He was – they had seen the girl’s dead body! How this must have discouraged Jairus’ faith! Does the unbelief of other people cause you to doubt in times of trouble?
What is the remedy to the difficulty of trusting in Jesus? The answer is Jesus! For Jesus does not stop saving just because we find it hard to believe. Going to the dead girl, Jesus took her by the hand and said, “Child arise” (Lk. 8:54). Immediately, “her spirit returned, and she got up at once” (Lk. 8:55), to the amazement of all. It seems that Jairus had kept his faith despite all the discouragements to believing – and what a blessing he received as a result! He believed because Jesus was with him. Do you realize that Jesus is with you if you trust in Him? You may face great fear and circumstances beyond every earthly hope. But do not forget what it means for Jesus to be with you. “Do not fear,” Jesus says to you in the face of all discouragement and doubt, “only believe.” And if you believe, you will see things you thought were never possible, because of who and what Jesus is. So do not fear: only believe!
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Phillips
