When they arrived at
[Jairus'] house, Jesus wouldn't let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl's father and mother. The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, "Stop the weeping! She isn't dead; she's only asleep." But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died.
— Luke 8:51-53 NLT
Key Thought
The miracle that is described in the verses that follow is witnessed by just a few well-chosen people — mom, dad, Peter, James, and John. Why? Jesus didn't do miracles to show out, to raise money, or to garner a following. Jesus did his miracles to demonstrate God's love for broken people. This time was one of grief and heartbreak. It was also a time of incredible joy and wonder. Jesus was not about to let the crowd dominate and hijack this moment from Jairus and his wife. However, to the chosen few, Jesus revealed that in his presence, death becomes only sleep.
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me faith to believe that, because of my faith in your Son, death becomes just a brief parting and not a permanent separation. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-53
- 2 Corinthians 5:6-9
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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