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.
Application: Do you wait until thing get terrible before you bring them to the Lord? Why do believers do that? Jesus is there all the time he loves you and has compassion more than you can imagine. Yet we wait until thing seem hopeless before we “give him a chance.” A part of real faith understands that he can do all things.
Transition: So we see the Call to Jesus was very real.
2. The Comfort from Jesus
Explanation: Jesus is a loving Lord and cares for each of us deeply. He would not respond with “take a number.” No, Jesus gave this man his full attention in spite of the crowd being around him. Too many of us want to see the miracle like the many in the crowd. Real comfort is not wishing for all bad to go away. If that were the case no one would ever die or get sick. Real comfort comes from heart felt ministry one to another. Often, this requires no words.
Illustration: Once during Queen Victoria’s reign, she heard that the wife of a common laborer had lost her baby. Having experienced deep sorrow herself, she felt moved to express her sympathy. So she called on the bereaved woman one day and spent some time with her. After she left, the neighbors asked what the queen had said. "Nothing," replied the grieving mother. "She simply put her hands on mine, and we silently wept together." Source Unknown.
Argumentation: This man had just been told that his only daughter had died. That’s not bad enough; the man had just witnesses Jesus healing a woman right in front of him. The pain is real and the emotions associated with it are raw. Yet in the midst of the crowd, Jesus took the moment to listen to the words of the man’s messenger. Upon hearing the news, Jesus said to the man, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." The Greek words he actually used carry a totally different meaning than to be healed. He said she will be saved.
Application: Some of you know the anguish of burying one of your own children. It’s not funny, it hurts and in this instance Jesus had compassion. That does not mean he did not have compassion on you for those of you who have had a child pass away. The Father answers all prayers after the counsel of his own will. I do not always understand that but I’ll bet the closer you get to the Jesus the clearer the reason will become.
Transition: We see the Call to Jesus and the Comfort he displayed. Now that he physically is about to do something and after he does it, he places limitations on those present.
3. The Constraint of Jesus
Explanation: As Jesus approached the man’s home, he only allowed certain of those present to go in with him. He allowed the two parents, along with Peter, James and John.
Argumentation: Folks I am cannot say why he limited the audience to just those five. As they come to the house thee are mourners already crying and Jesus comes up and without having seen her he says she is not dead but is only sleeping.
Application: How often does the Holy Spirit gently nudge you to do something and you ignore it as if you are just talking to yourself? Jesus did not talk for his health. He was comforting the parents and teaching the disciples. He gave the parents their daughter back. The disciples he demonstrated his unmistakable power over death. This power is based on the authority of his spoke word.
Transition: We see the man’s Call to Jesus and the Comfort Jesus displayed. Now we have seen that he did place Constraints on them.
4. The Contempt toward Jesus
Explanation: The crowd could not let this good deed go unpunished. They heard him say she was not dead. Well they are not dumb; they know what a dead person looks like. She was dead.
Argumentation: Did you ever get the idea that they were just ancient people and hey did not know really if she was alive or dead? Well many do get that type of pious thought. They knew she was dead and when Jesus made his comment that she was just sleeping. Look carefully at the passage as to who was present. Jesus took the parents and the three disciples inside. It is important to notice the clearer order of events from Mark 5:40-41.
Application: Did you ever get the idea that you have problems that Jesus can’t or want take care of? Ever feel as if you are all alone and there is not any one who cares or understands your problems? Well we can all have a quick laugh and then realize the reality. Jesus does care and can address your problems. Or is the problem you….
Transition: We see the man’s Call to Jesus and the Comfort Jesus displayed. Now we have seen that he did place Constraints on them. Then we saw the utter contempt for the Lord; so much that they laughed at him. Well let’s see the outcome.
5. The Conclusion by Jesus
Explanation: Scripture says he put them all outside and he took the child by the hand and said, “Little girl, arise.” Her spirit returned to her and she got up. He then commanded the parents to give her something to eat. Lastly, he charged them all that no one should tell anyone what had happened.
Illustration: Ever no the greatest secret and could not tell anyone. You wanted to bust. Now you know how they felt that day.
Argumentation: You see, Jesus is preparing to send the Apostles out on their first missionary journey alone. They needed to see and fully understand who this was they were dealing with. This isn’t some trick. These events are leading up to Peter’s confession which will come after they get back from their journey and they feed the five thousand. These events fall into order and testify to the validity of the Holy Spirit’s revelation that Jesus is in fact the Christ. These events are necessary for that fact to be crystal clear in their minds.
Application: Did you ever wonder if in fact he really was the Messiah? Well Scripture attests to the fact that he is and that was settled long ago. Now pick up with that knowledge and move on with it. Have you gone on your missionary journey lately?
Transition: We see the man’s Call to Jesus and the Comfort Jesus displayed. Now we have seen that he did place Constraints on them. Then we saw the contempt for the Lord and their ridiculing him. Well in the end he resurrected the little girl. He who laughs last… Something like that would apply.
6. Conclusion:
Visualization: Remember a few weeks ago – our vision of being in the throne room of God. Imagine being there and being miserable.
Reiteration: We have seen:
1. The Call to Jesus
2. The Comfort from Jesus
3. The Constraint of Jesus
4. The Contempt toward Jesus
5. The Conclusion by Jesus
Action: Scripture is very clear as to who he is and that All Power and Authority is his. However many believers lives as though he is just a sideshow act with corny magic tricks. Jesus gave all believers a command to go and tell, do you? Is it because you have doubts? Is it because you don’t care? Or is it because you have just gotten busy in life and have not made it a priority?
Appeal:
• Don’t put Jesus on the shelf.
• Obey his commands and examples in life.
• If you have not surrendered to him as Lord, don’t wait.
• Today is the day of salvation.
