Family Group Night | March 17, 2024

South Main Baptist Church
Mar 18, 2024
3 min read

LAUGHING AT JESUS

Read it

Luke 8

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” The people laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.

Discover It

In our scripture for today, the ruler of the local Jewish synagogue had come to Jesus in desperation. His name was Jairus, and his daughter was dying. She needed the healing touch of Jesus. By the time he arrived at Jairus’ house, though, she had already passed. Jesus entered the house, saying that she was not dead but only sleeping. Upon hearing this, the reaction of the people was to laugh, “knowing that she was dead,” (verse 53). But then Jesus, “took her by the hand and said, ‘My child, get up!’” Imagine the wonderment as she was revived, standing to her feet! And the account ends with Jesus simply instructing them to get her some food.

Ask It

1. In verse 51, Why do you think Jesus only wanted a few of his closest disciples and the girl’s mother and father to go in with him?

2. When Jesus said in verse 52, “she is not dead but asleep,” why do you think the people immediately turned from wailing to laughing?

3. What do you think it was like when Jesus took the child by the hand and raised her back to life? Describe some of the possible reactions of the people.

Live It

1. Take your problems to Jesus! And don’t wait till you are in desperate straits. Go to him often and daily, bringing him every joy and trial of your life.

2. Obey the words of Jesus! What would have happened if they had not obeyed Jesus’ instructions? Remember, when we obey God’s Word, we open ourselves up to his blessing, healing, and miracles!

3. Live in the resurrection hope of Jesus! At the word and the touch of Jesus, the girl was healed and revived. In the same way, let Jesus touch and heal you! Respond to his voice and receive his salvation!

Pray It

Lord, I come before You now, recognizing my brokenness and need for Your saving grace. I acknowledge that without You, I’m dead in my sins, separated from Your light and life. But Your Word declares that You are the resurrection and the life, and in You, there is the power to bring forth life from death. You lift up those who are spiritually dead, lost in the darkness of sin and despair. You conquered death through Your own death and resurrection. And by Your wounds, we are healed, and by Your grace, we are saved. So now I plead for Your saving power to breathe new life into my soul. You breathe life into the souls of all who are spiritually dead who call upon Your name. Awaken us all from our slumber and bring us into the glorious light of Your presence. Make those alive in Christ who were once dead in their transgressions. And help me to experience the joy of my salvation, the peace that surpasses understanding, and the hope of eternal life as I surrender all to you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.