Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 21, 2021

A Case of Divine Delay and Desperate Faith

Luke 8:40-56

1. Context

• Luke continues his focus on the power of Jesus over all that is broken
• preceded by the healing of the Gerasene demoniac (8:26-39)
• Jesus returns to Galilee and a thronging crowd (8:40)

2. Jesus is summoned to the home of Jairus (41-42)

• synagogue ruler who falls at the feet of Jesus
• began begging with regard to dying daughter who is about 12 years old
• Jesus proceeds and the people press

3. Jesus is touched by an unnamed woman (43-48)

• account implies a “delay” for Jairus
• unclean woman for 12 years: impoverished materially and isolated socially
• touched…garment…discharge…ceased
• the purposeful question and sovereign perception of Jesus
• the unnamed woman testifies
• a repeated formula (7:50)

4. Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus (49-56)

• report of death
• response of Jesus
• accompanied by disciples
• from mourning to scornful laughter
• restoration, nourishment and amazement

5. So what?

• Because Jesus, the compassionate and great Physician, has authority over all that is broken, trust His sovereign strength and schedule.
• “Everything sad is going to come untrue and it will somehow be greater for having once been broken and lost.” (Keller)
• “If the cause of delay is divine, the effect of the delay will be blessing.” (Deffinbaugh)
• “He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free…” (Wesley)