Luke 8:40-56 (NRSV)
Read Luke 8:40-56 on biblegateway.com
Verse 40Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Verse 41Just 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, Verse 42for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Verse 43Now 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. Verse 44She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Verse 45Then Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" When all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you." Verse 46But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me." Verse 47When 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. Verse 48He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." Verse 49While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer." Verse 50When Jesus heard this, he replied, "Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved." Verse 51When 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. Verse 52They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." Verse 53And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. Verse 54But he took her by the hand and called out, "Child, get up!" Verse 55Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Verse 56Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened.
Devotion
Watch the hands in these two healing stories: Jairus’ hands knotted in despair; a woman’s hand reaching in desperation for Jesus’ robe; Jesus’ hands raised to bless her; Jesus taking the hand of a dead girl; Jesus’ hands raised to his lips in a plea for silence. As important as Jesus’ teachings are the work he does with his hands, and we would do well to watch and follow his example. As surely as he raised the daughter of Jairus, he takes us by the hand and bids us follow him.
Prayer
Gracious God, you hold the whole of creation in the palm of your hand. Give us the will and the direction to do the work of your kingdom, and prosper the work of our hands, O Lord. Prosper the work of our hands. In the name of Jesus, the one whose hands were pierced, Amen.