Episode #51 Luke 8:49-56 Don’t Be Afraid; Just Believe

On December 26, 2021 by

Joy:
Episode #51 Luke 8:49-56

Welcome

Joy:
Welcome to The Christgazing Podcast. We are so glad you’re here. I’m Joy Burgin, and usually, I’m here with my mom, Amy Burgin. She’s out this week, but don’t worry, she’ll be back.

If you are anything like us, you desire to spend time with Jesus every day. This podcast makes space for that. Each week we read a passage from the Bible several times and create stillness after each reading that we also might be still and know God.

Pour Out Your Heart to God

Joy:
Before I read today’s passage, take a few moments to give God the things that are on your mind. Maybe it’s a circumstance, issue, or condition you didn’t choose but have lived with for a long time. Maybe it’s excitement about the holiday season, or dread, gratitude, or worry. Whatever is on your mind, name it and bring it to the Lord in this next minute.

What Does This Passage Say About God?

Joy:
As I read the passage for the first time, consider the question, What does this passage say about God?

Luke 8:49-56 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”

They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Again?

Luke 8:49-56 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”

They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage tell you about God?

[Pause and know]

What Does This Passage Say About People?

Joy:
As I reread the passage, consider the question: What does this passage tell you about people?

Luke 8:49-56 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”

They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage tell you about people?

[Pause and know]

Lord, What Would You Have Me Know Or Do Today?

Joy:
As I read for the last time, ask God the question, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?”

Luke 8:49-56 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”

They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Take the next few moments to ask God, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today?”

[Pause and listen]

Blessing

Joy:
Christgazer, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. 

One Response

Joy:
One thing that stood out to me in this passage is when the man from Jairus’s house instructed him, “Do not bother the teacher anymore.” How often do we feel like we have exhausted our tie to Jesus? We think either our circumstances are too far gone, or we have wasted too much of his time, or perhaps he is too disappointed in us. We feel the enemy telling us that we are becoming too much of a nuisance in the eyes of Jesus. In Jairus’ case, he felt like it was too late to seek God’s help. His daughter, his pride and joy, was already gone. But Jesus corrected him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” In one simple phrase, he invites anyone and everyone into his fellowship and protection regardless of how insurmountable their circumstances may seem. Regardless of whether or not they think it’s too late.

Closing

Joy:
My mom and I will be back next week to go Christgazing together. Until then, don’t forget, when you put your trust in Christ, you are one in whom he dwells and delights, a dearly loved child of God. You are royalty in his strong and unshakeable kingdom. Though trouble abounds, Christ prevails, and so do you.

It blesses me to hear from you! Please leave a reply here.