What Jesus Did! 'Just a Few' — Luke 8:51-53

Sunday, May 28, 2023

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 of people who just wanted to see the miracles. Jesus did his miracles to demonstrate God's love for broken people. This time for Jairus and his wife was one of grief and heartbreak. It was also about to be 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 and power, 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

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 8:51-53 NLT — "Stop the weeping! She isn't dead; she's only asleep."

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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 and is available in book form.

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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