Jesus was continuously performing miracles and teaching. When faced with such raw power and truth, there can be two very different responses. Some struggle and strive to grasp it. Other laugh in disbelief. Both receive from God that which is right according to their faith. Let the word of God cause us strive after Him, and to discern those around us struggling to find truth, that we may share the good news with them.
Matthew 9:18-26
18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Why did the ruler seek out Jesus, and what posture did he take when making his request? [v18]
+ How did Jesus respond to the request? [v19]
+ What did Jesus disciples do? [v19]
+ Why did the woman struggle after Jesus? [v20-21]
+ How did Jesus respond to the woman? [v22]
+ What did Jesus say made the woman well? [v22]
+ What truth about our fleshly death did Jesus indicate to those gathered around the girl, and what was their response to this truth? [v24]
+ Where were those who lacked faith when Jesus was doing miraculous work? [v25]
+ What was the response to God's work and power? [v26]
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How do you respond to God's message through His word, through parents, through brothers and sisters in Christ who are reaching out to you in love to encourage, exhort, reproach? Do you struggle and strive after that truth with faith that God wants what is best for you? Or do lack the humility necessary to have faith in God's power, so you laugh it off or pay no regard to it because you think you know better?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Who around you is striving for truth? Boldly share the truths from today's passage and others with them! The Holy Spirit will restore them to life and provide for them truth without end.