Noted By Compassion
Easter
The Road to Victory
A Pre-Easter Home Study
Object:
Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus' feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Then Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" When all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you." But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me." When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer." When Jesus heard this, he replied, "Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved." When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child's father and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, "Child, get up!" Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened.
Lesson Aim: That each person might see the compassion of Jesus as he prepared for the cross and know that his compassion is available today.
Prayer Focus: Pray that each one in your group might come to see the compassion of Jesus Christ and know that he cares for them.
Lesson
In the 1980s, people shelled out thousands of dollars to own potbellied pigs, an exotic house pet from Vietnam. Their breeders claimed these mini-pigs were quite smart and would only grow to forty pounds. Well, they were half right. The pigs were smart, but they grew to about one hundred and fifty pounds and became quite aggressive. What do people do with unwanted pigs? Fortunately, Dale Riffle came into the picture. Someone had given Riffle one of these pigs and he instantly fell in love with it. The pig, Rufus, was a lot of trouble and never did get "domesticated," but Riffle sold his suburban home and purchased a five-acre farm in West Virginia. Before long, he started taking in other pigs that people didn't want. Now, there are over 180 pigs on the Riffle farm. U.S. News and World Report notes that there is a waiting list of pigs hoping to set hoof on the Riffle farm. Dale Riffle explained to the reporter, "We're all put on this earth for some reason. I guess mine is pigs. I'll tell you what is even more incredible than loving these pigs. An infinite, perfectly holy, majestic, awesome God is passionately in love with insignificant, sinful, and sometimes rebellious people. God loves people like you and me."
An incredible story? Yes. A man who loves pigs and a God who loves men. Today we continue our look at Jesus. He is an incredible Savior who demonstrates compassion to those around him.
Background Of The Text
Today we find ourselves in Luke's gospel, the eighth chapter. Luke is writing to demonstrate that Jesus really is the Christ/Messiah. He wants to provide certainty for the things already taught about Jesus. Jesus, in the eighth chapter, is teaching in towns and villages. He calmed the storm that came up on the Lake of Genessaret. He healed a demon-possessed man. As he leaves the region of the Gerasenes, a crowd gathers. They welcome him. In that crowd, we see a man. He is well dressed and it is obvious that he is respected in the community. He seems to be intent on getting to Jesus. Also in the crowd, we see a woman. She is an older woman. She is standing on the fringe of the throngs of people. She seems to want to see Jesus, but isn't sure. The crowd ignores her.
Two people with great needs and the same hope. Let's see what incredible thing happens.
A Tale Of Two Opposites
The man we met is named Jairus. He is a synagogue ruler and he is desperate to see Jesus. Jairus has a twelve-year-old daughter who is dying. He has tried everything and now Jesus is his only hope. He is the synagogue ruler. For him to come to Jesus meant a great deal. He is acknowledging that this itinerant preacher really is who they say he is. He parts the throngs of people that gather around Jesus. He falls at his feet. He is pleading, "Jesus, come and heal my daughter." Jesus agrees and is on his way to Jairus' house. The crowds are swelling now. Not only have they come to see Jesus, but they will get to see a miracle, too. There is one in the crowd, though, that needs her own miracle. She is hoping to see Jesus, too, but when the man mentions the little girl, well, she knows she can't interrupt that. She thinks, however, if I can just touch his cloak that might do it. You see, she has battled a hemorrhage problem for twelve years. She's been to all the doctors and spent all of her money. She has nothing to show for it all except a stack of excuses and frustration. She is desperate for Jesus, too. She slips in among the crowd as Jesus is walking on the road. She reaches out in a moment of faith and touches the hem of his robe. At once, she is healed. It is a miracle! Incredible!
Jesus stops. "Who touched me?" he asks. The disciples are dumbfounded. Jairus must've been pacing. Peter speaks, "What do you mean, 'Who touched me?' The crowd is huge. It could've been anyone." Jesus insists, though, that someone touched him for he felt power go out of him. At that, the woman comes forward. She knows he knows. "I did," she says meekly. Jesus looks at her with eyes of compassion. "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." Incredible!
While they are standing there, an entourage comes. They are from the house of Jairus. "Don't bother the teacher now. It is too late. She's gone." Jesus, though, hearing this statement, looks at Jairus. "Don't be afraid. Just believe." When Jesus arrives at the house, he brings in the girl's father and mother. James, Peter, and John enter, too. A lot of people have gathered. There is much crying. Jesus says, "Don't cry. She's only asleep." They scorn him and laugh. Jesus, though, enters her room. Her body is lifeless on the bed. He takes her by the hand. "My child, get up." Incredible! She sits up. Jesus tells them to feed her and orders her parents not to tell this story.
Two people from opposite ends of society. Both in desperate need of a miracle. In an incredible way, Jesus touches them both. My friends, he is still incredibly compassionate today.
Jesus' Incredible Compassion Is Seen In ...
His Time For "Important" And "Regular" Folks
This was a very busy day for Jesus. Two people had great needs. A large crowd had gathered. Jairus, the important leader of the community, needed Jesus badly. An older woman, an anonymous face in the crowd, also desperately desired the Lord. It is amazing that, while on his way to Jairus' house, Jesus stopped for this woman. What does that tell us? Simply this: Jesus has time for all people.
He hears the prayers of presidents and kings. He listens as they describe great and troubling issues. Presidents of our nation, no matter what the political party, have prayed. They pray for wisdom and guidance as they make earth-shattering decisions. Jesus hears those prayers. He also has time to listen to the prayer of the five-year-old child who prays for her puppy because he is sick. It doesn't matter if you've been famous, wealthy, or powerful or if you've just been a "regular" guy, Jesus is concerned about your situation. He loves just the same. He cares just the same. He takes time, just the same. He has time for you.
Some of you here need an incredible touch from the Lord. It is absolutely true that those in Iraq need him. It is also true that those in ravaged parts of our country need him, too. He can handle that, and he can handle what's troubling you. He has time for you and wants to help.
His Astounding Power
By touching his garment in faith, the woman is healed of her hemorrhaging. Power went out from Jesus. That's kind of unusual, isn't it? Power went out from him almost like he was electrically charged. What does that mean? What really healed this woman was her faith in Jesus. She didn't want to bother or keep him from a dying little girl (no doubt, in her mind, a more important case). She simply needed just a touch. That was all. She didn't want to take up too much of Jesus, just a little.
Ellen Corby played Grandma Walton on the former television series, The Waltons. You probably know her from that. What you might not know is that she had a bit part in It's A Wonderful Life. She plays a customer at the Bailey Building and Loan. George is using his own money to tide the business over during the stock market crash. She is in line to get money. Most are asking for $100. Some $20. She asks for $17.50. That's all she needs. George is touched by her and hugs her.
When I read about this lady with the hemorrhage, I think of Ellen Corby. She only wanted "just enough." She got it! Jesus healed her completely. Compassion came from his heart and lips as he called her "Daughter."
Meanwhile, Jairus is getting nervous. Jesus is coming and that's good. This woman and her problem are slowing him down. I'm sure Jairus is happy for her. I'm sure he doesn't begrudge her healing, but well, come on Jesus. Oh no. It is too late. Or is it? Incredibly, Jesus is not fazed by the announcement of Jairus' daughter's death. His compassion is clear: "Just believe." When they get to the house all the signs of death are present. Jesus ignores them, takes Jairus' daughter by the hand and says, "My child, get up." She does! Incredible.
What does this mean for you? Jesus still has incredible power today and he still cares. The woman who, in humility and faith, just touched his garment, and Jairus, who only had to believe, saw it. You can, too. Will you reach out and touch Jesus? Will you, in faith, believe that Jesus can make what is wrong right again? Just believe.
This doesn't mean that things always work out like we're hoping. His compassion for us is seen in giving us what we need, not what we want. Sometimes the miracle and healing come in a different way. The word to us, though, is still the same. Just believe and the incredible will happen. Sometimes the incredible is healing. Sometimes the incredible is the new job, family, relationship, or situation. Sometimes the incredible comes in the grace to deal with adversity. To you who are in need, Jesus says, "Just believe."
The Desire To Come To Him
A third observation is that people were drawn to Jesus. Crowds thronged around him. People could sense his love and care. Being around Jesus meant something was going to happen. He is still the same today. Jesus would later say, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me." He was referring to his crucifixion and the salvation of humanity. If Jesus is lifted up, presented, people will come.
People today are hungry for the Lord. They want something real; something lasting. Our world today is not a compassionate place. Folks are longing for someone who cares. Maybe some of you are missing something. Maybe you long for the incredible. Has it been too long since you've seen the hand of the Lord at work? Has it been too long since you've felt his compassion in your heart? You can have it again. Jesus the incredible stands before you. He longs to touch your heart and life and make things better.
Conclusion
The "road to victory" was marked by the compassion of our Lord. He loves wholly, totally, and greatly. Do you desire his love today?
Thought Questions
1. What does it tell us about the nature of Jesus that he had time for people of all backgrounds and walks of life? What does that mean today?
2. How do you think Jairus, the synagogue ruler, must have felt as he waited and received news that his daughter had died? What do you think he thought when Jesus said, "Just believe"?
3. Both the woman and Jairus received what they were hoping to receive. How do we respond when the answer is different? Does that change our view of his compassion?
4. How do you answer the oft-asked question, "Does Jesus care?"
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"Does Jesus Care?"
"I Cast All My Cares Upon You" (chorus)
"No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus"
Lesson Aim: That each person might see the compassion of Jesus as he prepared for the cross and know that his compassion is available today.
Prayer Focus: Pray that each one in your group might come to see the compassion of Jesus Christ and know that he cares for them.
Lesson
In the 1980s, people shelled out thousands of dollars to own potbellied pigs, an exotic house pet from Vietnam. Their breeders claimed these mini-pigs were quite smart and would only grow to forty pounds. Well, they were half right. The pigs were smart, but they grew to about one hundred and fifty pounds and became quite aggressive. What do people do with unwanted pigs? Fortunately, Dale Riffle came into the picture. Someone had given Riffle one of these pigs and he instantly fell in love with it. The pig, Rufus, was a lot of trouble and never did get "domesticated," but Riffle sold his suburban home and purchased a five-acre farm in West Virginia. Before long, he started taking in other pigs that people didn't want. Now, there are over 180 pigs on the Riffle farm. U.S. News and World Report notes that there is a waiting list of pigs hoping to set hoof on the Riffle farm. Dale Riffle explained to the reporter, "We're all put on this earth for some reason. I guess mine is pigs. I'll tell you what is even more incredible than loving these pigs. An infinite, perfectly holy, majestic, awesome God is passionately in love with insignificant, sinful, and sometimes rebellious people. God loves people like you and me."
An incredible story? Yes. A man who loves pigs and a God who loves men. Today we continue our look at Jesus. He is an incredible Savior who demonstrates compassion to those around him.
Background Of The Text
Today we find ourselves in Luke's gospel, the eighth chapter. Luke is writing to demonstrate that Jesus really is the Christ/Messiah. He wants to provide certainty for the things already taught about Jesus. Jesus, in the eighth chapter, is teaching in towns and villages. He calmed the storm that came up on the Lake of Genessaret. He healed a demon-possessed man. As he leaves the region of the Gerasenes, a crowd gathers. They welcome him. In that crowd, we see a man. He is well dressed and it is obvious that he is respected in the community. He seems to be intent on getting to Jesus. Also in the crowd, we see a woman. She is an older woman. She is standing on the fringe of the throngs of people. She seems to want to see Jesus, but isn't sure. The crowd ignores her.
Two people with great needs and the same hope. Let's see what incredible thing happens.
A Tale Of Two Opposites
The man we met is named Jairus. He is a synagogue ruler and he is desperate to see Jesus. Jairus has a twelve-year-old daughter who is dying. He has tried everything and now Jesus is his only hope. He is the synagogue ruler. For him to come to Jesus meant a great deal. He is acknowledging that this itinerant preacher really is who they say he is. He parts the throngs of people that gather around Jesus. He falls at his feet. He is pleading, "Jesus, come and heal my daughter." Jesus agrees and is on his way to Jairus' house. The crowds are swelling now. Not only have they come to see Jesus, but they will get to see a miracle, too. There is one in the crowd, though, that needs her own miracle. She is hoping to see Jesus, too, but when the man mentions the little girl, well, she knows she can't interrupt that. She thinks, however, if I can just touch his cloak that might do it. You see, she has battled a hemorrhage problem for twelve years. She's been to all the doctors and spent all of her money. She has nothing to show for it all except a stack of excuses and frustration. She is desperate for Jesus, too. She slips in among the crowd as Jesus is walking on the road. She reaches out in a moment of faith and touches the hem of his robe. At once, she is healed. It is a miracle! Incredible!
Jesus stops. "Who touched me?" he asks. The disciples are dumbfounded. Jairus must've been pacing. Peter speaks, "What do you mean, 'Who touched me?' The crowd is huge. It could've been anyone." Jesus insists, though, that someone touched him for he felt power go out of him. At that, the woman comes forward. She knows he knows. "I did," she says meekly. Jesus looks at her with eyes of compassion. "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." Incredible!
While they are standing there, an entourage comes. They are from the house of Jairus. "Don't bother the teacher now. It is too late. She's gone." Jesus, though, hearing this statement, looks at Jairus. "Don't be afraid. Just believe." When Jesus arrives at the house, he brings in the girl's father and mother. James, Peter, and John enter, too. A lot of people have gathered. There is much crying. Jesus says, "Don't cry. She's only asleep." They scorn him and laugh. Jesus, though, enters her room. Her body is lifeless on the bed. He takes her by the hand. "My child, get up." Incredible! She sits up. Jesus tells them to feed her and orders her parents not to tell this story.
Two people from opposite ends of society. Both in desperate need of a miracle. In an incredible way, Jesus touches them both. My friends, he is still incredibly compassionate today.
Jesus' Incredible Compassion Is Seen In ...
His Time For "Important" And "Regular" Folks
This was a very busy day for Jesus. Two people had great needs. A large crowd had gathered. Jairus, the important leader of the community, needed Jesus badly. An older woman, an anonymous face in the crowd, also desperately desired the Lord. It is amazing that, while on his way to Jairus' house, Jesus stopped for this woman. What does that tell us? Simply this: Jesus has time for all people.
He hears the prayers of presidents and kings. He listens as they describe great and troubling issues. Presidents of our nation, no matter what the political party, have prayed. They pray for wisdom and guidance as they make earth-shattering decisions. Jesus hears those prayers. He also has time to listen to the prayer of the five-year-old child who prays for her puppy because he is sick. It doesn't matter if you've been famous, wealthy, or powerful or if you've just been a "regular" guy, Jesus is concerned about your situation. He loves just the same. He cares just the same. He takes time, just the same. He has time for you.
Some of you here need an incredible touch from the Lord. It is absolutely true that those in Iraq need him. It is also true that those in ravaged parts of our country need him, too. He can handle that, and he can handle what's troubling you. He has time for you and wants to help.
His Astounding Power
By touching his garment in faith, the woman is healed of her hemorrhaging. Power went out from Jesus. That's kind of unusual, isn't it? Power went out from him almost like he was electrically charged. What does that mean? What really healed this woman was her faith in Jesus. She didn't want to bother or keep him from a dying little girl (no doubt, in her mind, a more important case). She simply needed just a touch. That was all. She didn't want to take up too much of Jesus, just a little.
Ellen Corby played Grandma Walton on the former television series, The Waltons. You probably know her from that. What you might not know is that she had a bit part in It's A Wonderful Life. She plays a customer at the Bailey Building and Loan. George is using his own money to tide the business over during the stock market crash. She is in line to get money. Most are asking for $100. Some $20. She asks for $17.50. That's all she needs. George is touched by her and hugs her.
When I read about this lady with the hemorrhage, I think of Ellen Corby. She only wanted "just enough." She got it! Jesus healed her completely. Compassion came from his heart and lips as he called her "Daughter."
Meanwhile, Jairus is getting nervous. Jesus is coming and that's good. This woman and her problem are slowing him down. I'm sure Jairus is happy for her. I'm sure he doesn't begrudge her healing, but well, come on Jesus. Oh no. It is too late. Or is it? Incredibly, Jesus is not fazed by the announcement of Jairus' daughter's death. His compassion is clear: "Just believe." When they get to the house all the signs of death are present. Jesus ignores them, takes Jairus' daughter by the hand and says, "My child, get up." She does! Incredible.
What does this mean for you? Jesus still has incredible power today and he still cares. The woman who, in humility and faith, just touched his garment, and Jairus, who only had to believe, saw it. You can, too. Will you reach out and touch Jesus? Will you, in faith, believe that Jesus can make what is wrong right again? Just believe.
This doesn't mean that things always work out like we're hoping. His compassion for us is seen in giving us what we need, not what we want. Sometimes the miracle and healing come in a different way. The word to us, though, is still the same. Just believe and the incredible will happen. Sometimes the incredible is healing. Sometimes the incredible is the new job, family, relationship, or situation. Sometimes the incredible comes in the grace to deal with adversity. To you who are in need, Jesus says, "Just believe."
The Desire To Come To Him
A third observation is that people were drawn to Jesus. Crowds thronged around him. People could sense his love and care. Being around Jesus meant something was going to happen. He is still the same today. Jesus would later say, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me." He was referring to his crucifixion and the salvation of humanity. If Jesus is lifted up, presented, people will come.
People today are hungry for the Lord. They want something real; something lasting. Our world today is not a compassionate place. Folks are longing for someone who cares. Maybe some of you are missing something. Maybe you long for the incredible. Has it been too long since you've seen the hand of the Lord at work? Has it been too long since you've felt his compassion in your heart? You can have it again. Jesus the incredible stands before you. He longs to touch your heart and life and make things better.
Conclusion
The "road to victory" was marked by the compassion of our Lord. He loves wholly, totally, and greatly. Do you desire his love today?
Thought Questions
1. What does it tell us about the nature of Jesus that he had time for people of all backgrounds and walks of life? What does that mean today?
2. How do you think Jairus, the synagogue ruler, must have felt as he waited and received news that his daughter had died? What do you think he thought when Jesus said, "Just believe"?
3. Both the woman and Jairus received what they were hoping to receive. How do we respond when the answer is different? Does that change our view of his compassion?
4. How do you answer the oft-asked question, "Does Jesus care?"
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"Does Jesus Care?"
"I Cast All My Cares Upon You" (chorus)
"No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus"
