Word@Work Luke 133 - Luke 8:40-42
Published: Fri, 06/25/10
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Luke 8:40-42 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. (NIV)
Jesus had become a popular celebrity and a crowd gathered to welcome Him back to His Galilean base in Capernaum. However the religious leaders were very suspicious of Him, fearing that He might undermine their authority. But there are times when personal needs become more important than political principles; as Jairus found. He was the respected Synagogue Ruler in the town; the man who presided over religious services, acted as a judge in community disputes and represented the congregation outside the local community. He was important, but his problem was bigger than his status. His daughter was dying.
He now saw Jesus in a different light. No longer was He a threat; indeed, Jairus longed that the Teacher would give him preferential treatment and quickly too. He did not care about his dignity, what others would think about him or how his local elders would criticise his appeal for help: Jairus rushed through the crowd and prostrated himself at Jesus' feet, pleading for the life of His little girl. All that showed one thing - he believed in Jesus. And Jesus responded by agreeing to go to the man's house. But would He get there on time? The crowds were suffocatingly dense, even to the point of almost crushing the Lord. You can imagine the frustration in Jairus' mind!
Everybody will encounter personal circumstances that exhaust all available resources. Whether it is health, or money, family or business, church or community - something will bring us to our knees. At that point, who or what we are kneeling before will tell the Lord how much we trust Him. Some of our readers say they are tempted to find the answer in religious ritual, tribal healers, occultists or email appeals; some simply succumb to despondency. This passage shows us that the good way forward can only come through Jesus. We must be willing to turn from all other alternatives, throwing ourselves on His mercy and the kindness of His grace. How He will answer, what He will do and when He will do it ... are all for Him to decide. Our task is to trust that He alone has the answer and the power to make it happen.
Prayer: Sovereign Lord. Thank You for still being willing to help poor, weak, weary and sinful people in this corrupted world where the perfection of Your original creation has been spoiled. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the answer to our greatest need to be made right with You. Thank You that everyone who trusts in Jesus will receive mercy and grace, and help for every day. May I not be too proud to seek Your help, influenced by what others might think or seduced by false gods that I fail to come to Jesus in repentance and faith. And please help me to trust You to deal with the matter in Your way; without dictating to You, how and when You must act. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Jesus had become a popular celebrity and a crowd gathered to welcome Him back to His Galilean base in Capernaum. However the religious leaders were very suspicious of Him, fearing that He might undermine their authority. But there are times when personal needs become more important than political principles; as Jairus found. He was the respected Synagogue Ruler in the town; the man who presided over religious services, acted as a judge in community disputes and represented the congregation outside the local community. He was important, but his problem was bigger than his status. His daughter was dying.
He now saw Jesus in a different light. No longer was He a threat; indeed, Jairus longed that the Teacher would give him preferential treatment and quickly too. He did not care about his dignity, what others would think about him or how his local elders would criticise his appeal for help: Jairus rushed through the crowd and prostrated himself at Jesus' feet, pleading for the life of His little girl. All that showed one thing - he believed in Jesus. And Jesus responded by agreeing to go to the man's house. But would He get there on time? The crowds were suffocatingly dense, even to the point of almost crushing the Lord. You can imagine the frustration in Jairus' mind!
Everybody will encounter personal circumstances that exhaust all available resources. Whether it is health, or money, family or business, church or community - something will bring us to our knees. At that point, who or what we are kneeling before will tell the Lord how much we trust Him. Some of our readers say they are tempted to find the answer in religious ritual, tribal healers, occultists or email appeals; some simply succumb to despondency. This passage shows us that the good way forward can only come through Jesus. We must be willing to turn from all other alternatives, throwing ourselves on His mercy and the kindness of His grace. How He will answer, what He will do and when He will do it ... are all for Him to decide. Our task is to trust that He alone has the answer and the power to make it happen.
Prayer: Sovereign Lord. Thank You for still being willing to help poor, weak, weary and sinful people in this corrupted world where the perfection of Your original creation has been spoiled. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the answer to our greatest need to be made right with You. Thank You that everyone who trusts in Jesus will receive mercy and grace, and help for every day. May I not be too proud to seek Your help, influenced by what others might think or seduced by false gods that I fail to come to Jesus in repentance and faith. And please help me to trust You to deal with the matter in Your way; without dictating to You, how and when You must act. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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