Jesus Raises The Little Girl

Jesus Raises the Little Girl

Luke 8:40-42 & 49-56

Introduction: This morning we are going to take a look at the other of the two miracles Jesus did upon his return from his encounter with the Demoniac in Gadara. He was welcomed upon his return by what is referred to as a multitude. Scripture is pretty clear that they were anxious for his return. Last week we saw Jesus heal the woman with the issue of blood. To recap last week we saw that:

1. Believers wait too long to come to Jesus

2. Believers try to keep their faith undercover

3. It’s easier for a Believer to be bold not timid.

4. Believers frequently do not trust the Word of God.

5. Believers find happiness when they are close to Jesus.

That event took place in the middle of today’s message. This week we will see him restore life to a young girl.

Attention: As I said last week please notice that Jesus responds in these passages without a moment’s hesitation in his actions. That is the way he answers your prayers today. He does not need to think about it or look it up in a book or consult a crystal ball. Your Lord already knows your request and loves you. He grants those prayers that are within the Father’s will and does not waste time.

Today we will look at this passage we will see the entire story as it happened. Let’s read:

Luke 8:40 – 42 & 49-56 40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. 41 And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. *** 49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher." 50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise." 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. (NKJV)

Need: Every believer knows that Scripture contains some powerful events and this one just happened in this couple’s life and Jesus commanded them to be quiet about it.

Textual Idea: I feel the idea behind the passage is to demonstrate the Lord has your best interest at heart and has compassion for his followers but also the joy in his heart when he does this sort of thing.

Sermon Idea: Jesus has real authority of sickness and death. We know that – today I want you to see the real joy he shows and that he was honestly happy to restore the girl to her father.

Interrogative: So let me ask this morning’s question: Why did Jesus restore the girl’s life in this instance and not in every instance that one of our loved ones passes.

Transition: Our text this morning suggests five things that could help you understand the events and why Jesus did what he did.

1. The Call to Jesus

Explanation: Let’s first look at who this man was and the potential consequences of his actions. He is called by a certain title in the Greek. That title equates to the President of the Synagogue. Not the chief priest that person would be in Jerusalem. This is in a small village in the hill country. This man was charged with choosing the weekly readers and leading a discussion of the passage read. He was charged with keeping the proceedings going in accordance with the traditions. Remember I have told you that Jewish men generally did not beg or get on their knees for any reason.

Argumentation: The call to Jesus was real, this was not a ruse. This man fell begging for help. There is obviously faith in more than the Hebrew Scripture since he has just laid his respect in the community on the line. This man is like any other parent who is about to loose a child. He is desperate. Desperate times call for desperate measures.