August 5, 2016
THE PEACE OF HIS POWER
Luke 8:40–56
Sylvia Bateman
Central Truth
Don't miss out on the power of God or on being made well. Reach out to Christ for salvation despite the size of your faith or how you think He can heal you.
Key Verse | Luke 8:48
And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (Luke 8:48)
Luke 8:40–56
Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus's Daughter
40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 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, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.
As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 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, 1 8:43 Some manuscripts omit and though she had spent all her living on physicians she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter 2 8:45 Some manuscripts add and those who were with him said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 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. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
49 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.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 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. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Dive Deeper | Luke 8:40–56
Anyone else dread having to make doctor appointments? (No offense to any physicians out there; I thank you for your skills). This time last year, I finally made a dermatologist appointment. My true motivation for going was admittedly because of vanity; my acne wasn’t going away, and it was annoying. Funny how the word "acne" feels awkward—kind of like “hemorrhaging.” Anyway, on that day, my wise dermatologist decided to check my back for any moles that looked unusual. It turns out that a very concerning one was found. This discovery led down a path of more doctor appointments and surgeries that caught and removed a cancerous area just before it spread throughout my body. Even though I originally went in seeking healing for one reason, a much more ominous issue was addressed.
As frustrating as acne is, it’s nothing compared to what the woman in this passage was experiencing. Bleeding for 12 years would have made her ceremonially unclean and an outcast in that culture. She even spent all of her money on physicians hoping to be made well (unsuccessfully so). It reminds me that, before becoming a believer and follower of Christ, I, too, futilely sought well-being through self-glory, independence, and the bottomless feeding off of being revered and liked.
I dearly love the woman described in this passage because she knows she has a need. She's desperate for healing. She’s not pretending like she’s okay and doesn’t need Jesus. She originally may not have even known how Jesus could heal her, but she had heard of His power. So she fights her way through the crowd to reach out in faith, hoping He could heal her endless bleeding. “Even though her knowledge was imperfect she believed that Jesus could heal her, and Jesus honored that faith,” states Dr. Constable's commentary (soniclight.com). Jesus not only heals her physically, but He also has a more life-altering conversation with her. He strengthens and encourages her faith by identifying her and gives her a chance to publicly profess Him (Romans 10:9-10). This allows her to be made truly well through salvation, and she is able to "go in peace."
Discussion Questions
1. Where are you reaching out to find life, healing, comfort, or happiness apart from Christ? How is that working for you?
2. Do you believe Christ has the power to save you from eternal separation from God (hell)? If not, why not?
3. If you are a believer in Christ, what opportunities are you using to proclaim the One who saved you?