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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

The ARC of My Grace
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of God, Many people in your world view My ministry as little more than a traveling miracle show. Many people during My time on earth..."
'My Child, Get Up!'
Article by Phil Ware
Most of our earth-bound explanations are shallow and trite in the face of life's harshest realities. Phil Ware pauses and looks at the pain of grieving parents at the loss of a child and reminds us to forgo easy answers and cling to the stories and promises of Jesus.
Eternity: Beyond Separation to Hope
Article by Gene Vance
When this life-altering grief and separation invade our worlds, we are left with many challenges, some seem insurmountable. Gene Vance shares insights from his book, 'Transition to Eternity' to help us find great hope and anticipation of Eternity with Jesus!
The Personal Touch
Article by Phil Ware
More than a miracle worker, Jesus is the touch of God. Phil Ware continues his series on out of the box and reminds us that Jesus is God made touchable and personal: more than a miracle worker, Jesus is the personal care of God for people in their deepest needs.

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, May 28, 2023

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Coming Reunion' (1 Th. 4:13-15)
"Dear Father, comforter of the bereaved, On the death of our dear loved ones in Christ, may we comfort one another with thoughts of a glorious..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Sticking to the Plan' (Acts 13:13-16)
"Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Stand Firm'
"Dear Believer, Paul was confident that he taught the truth I wanted the Thessalonians to know. He claimed the authority of an apostle, an emissary..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'My Shelter' (Ps. 73:28)
"As for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do."

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.

More What Jesus Did!