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

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Pray and Fear God and You’ll Have True Rewards'
"And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Genuine Spirituality' (1 Co. 3:1-7)
"Dear Father, growth-giving God, Help me to be a genuinely spiritual person in Christ. Let me grow beyond having to be fed like a baby on soft food....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: John 16:32
"Few had fellowship with the sorrows of Gethsemane. The majority of the disciples were not sufficiently advanced in grace to be admitted to behold the...."

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!