Pastor Dave Hentschel
Sermon Summary: Luke 8:40-56
Sometimes we find ourselves facing desperate situations that leave us feeling helpless and alone. In times of despair, where do we turn? The answer lies in turning to Jesus and holding onto the unwavering belief that He is with us in our most challenging moments. This sermon reflection delves into Luke 8:40-56, unveiling the transformative journey from despair to hope.
Part 1: The Situation
The passage begins with Jairus, a synagogue leader, desperate and pleading for Jesus to come and heal his dying daughter. It's a moment of raw vulnerability as a father watches his beloved child slip away. We can all relate to Jairus in our own desperate situations, whether it be health crises, financial struggles, or broken relationships. Desperation often propels us to seek help beyond our own abilities, leading us to the feet of Jesus.
Part 2: The Interruption
As Jesus is en route to Jairus' house, a woman who has suffered from a debilitating ailment for twelve years interrupts the journey. In her desperation, she reaches out and touches the fringe of Jesus' cloak, hoping for healing. This interruption, though seemingly deterring, becomes a powerful illustration of faith. Jesus acknowledges her faith and heals her, showcasing that even in the midst of one person's desperate situation, another can find unexpected redemption. This interruption teaches us that God's plans are higher than ours, and sometimes, in the midst of our trials, He brings about unforeseen blessings.
Part 3: The Resurrection
While Jesus is still speaking with the woman, messengers arrive to inform Jairus that his daughter has died. In the face of death itself, Jesus encourages Jairus with the words, "Do not be afraid; only believe." What follows is nothing short of a miraculous resurrection as Jesus raises the dead girl back to life. This event demonstrates the power of unwavering faith in the midst of the most dire circumstances. Even when all hope seems lost, Jesus is the resurrection and the life, capable of bringing forth new life from the ashes of despair.
No matter what we face in life, we can all remember the words of Jesus, “Do not be afraid, only believe.”
There are three Possible Outcomes of God's Intervention in our times of Desperation:
A) Sometimes God keeps us FROM the trial:
In His mercy, God may shield us from certain trials altogether. Through His divine protection, we experience His grace in avoiding situations that could potentially overwhelm us.
B) Sometimes God keeps us THROUGH the trial:
God's promise is not always to remove us from difficulties, but to be with us in the midst of them. As we navigate trials, His presence sustains us, providing strength, comfort, and an enduring hope that transcends our circumstances.
C) Sometimes God uses the trial to deliver us unto Himself:
In the grand tapestry of our lives, God weaves even the most challenging trials into a masterpiece. These hardships can serve as a pathway that leads us closer to God, fostering a deeper relationship with Him and ultimately delivering us into His eternal presence. In some ways the resurrection of this little girl was a foretaste of the great resurrection one day, when God will say to all who have died, “Child Arise,” and for those who are in Christ, they will!
When faced with desperate situations, we turn to Jesus, remembering His words, "Do not be afraid; only believe." Through the lens of Luke 8:40-56, we see that in our desperation, God invites us into a transformative journey – from the depths of our situation, through unexpected interruptions, to the resurrection of hope. Regardless of the outcome, we find solace in turning to Jesus, who is the source of our strength and the anchor of our faith.
Recommended Resource:
Little Girl Get Up by Rick Malwitz
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
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Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
