Jesus' Invitation To Be A Dream Disciple

Jarvis Williams

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, 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 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.         

– Luke 8:40-56.

"Receive Jesus' invitation to follow him in joys and sorrows in life. "

• Expository points
  • Jesus just returned from ministering to Gentiles and performing miracles (e.g., calming storms and healing the possessed).
  • Jesus ministers to women, Gentiles, and those ritually unclean, breaking social norms to invite all into faithful discipleship.
  • Jairus, a synagogue leader, humbles himself before Jesus to save his daughter.
  • The woman, breaking ritual purity laws, exercises faith by touching Jesus for healing.
  • Jesus heals without regard to social status or ritual cleanliness.
  • The woman's faith not only brings physical healing but also spiritual restoration (Jesus calls her "daughter).
• Applications
  1. To women: Your faith is essential to the work of the gospel.
  2. To the grieving and suffering: Jesus invites you to follow him, even through suffering and grief.
  3. Walk with others in suffering.
     • Support others through presence and compassion, balancing space with intentional care.
     • Avoid two extremes: total absence or overwhelming presence.
     • Examples include sending notes, sharing meals, or providing moments of joy amid grief.
  4. Faithful Friendship
     • Reflecting on how Jesus walked with people through their pain, we are encouraged to do the same with our friends and loved ones.

• Invitation to Faithful Discipleship
  • Jesus does not ask us to do everything but invites us to follow him faithfully, walking alongside others in their suffering.