What can we learn about faith from Jesus' command, "Child, get up"? Setting the Scene - Luke 8:40-56 recounts Jairus pleading for his dying daughter. - On the way, Jesus pauses to heal a woman, and news arrives: the girl is dead. - Jesus tells Jairus, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be healed” (Luke 8:50). - Reaching the house, Jesus permits only a small group inside, takes the girl’s hand, and commands, “Child, get up!” (Luke 8:54). The Nature of Jesus’ Command - Short, direct, and authoritative—no ritual, negotiation, or display. - Spoken to a corpse, yet addressed as though the child could still respond. - Coupled with physical touch, demonstrating power that bridges the spiritual and physical realms. Faith Anchored in Jesus’ Authority - Jairus believed because Jesus had already proven His authority over disease and demons (Luke 8:26-39). - Faith rests not in circumstances but in the Person who commands them. - Cross-reference: Matthew 8:8-10 shows the centurion recognizing the same authority. Faith Expects the Impossible - From a human standpoint, death is final; Jesus’ word says otherwise. - Romans 4:17: “God… gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist.” - Faith embraces God’s power to reverse what appears irreversible. Faith Stands Firm Amid Ridicule - The mourners “laughed at Him, knowing she was dead” (Luke 8:53). - Genuine faith is unmoved by public scorn, choosing divine truth over human opinion. Faith Is Personal and Immediate - Jesus addresses the girl directly: “Child, get up!” - Faith involves personal encounter; it is not abstract but relational. - Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Faith Responds to the Word - The command itself carried the life-giving power; the girl’s spirit returned instantly (Luke 8:55). - While Jesus spoke, the miracle occurred—showing that faith and obedience to His word are inseparable. Faith Produces Visible Results - The girl “got up at once,” and Jesus told them to give her something to eat (Luke 8:55-56). - True faith leaves tangible evidence: a living child and a family forever changed. - John 11:25 echoes the lesson: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Living It Out Today - Anchor your confidence in Christ’s absolute authority. - Expect His power to work beyond natural limits. - Stand firm when faith is mocked. - Seek a personal, obedient response to His word. - Look for the concrete outcomes that accompany genuine belief. |
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