What Jesus Did! 'Jesus Loves Us All' — Mark 5:23-24

Friday, March 29, 2024

"My little daughter is dying," [Jairus] said. "Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live."

Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him.

— Mark 5:23-24 NLT

Key Thought

We can easily make Jesus into a two-dimensional caricature of himself. He loved the poor, the weak, the downtrodden, the forgotten, and the marginalized and spoke harshly of those who abused their power and those who were hypocritical in their religion. Reality, however, dictates that we recognize that Jesus loves all people regardless of their social standing, economic circumstances, religious identity, gender, race, or background. Jesus came looking for those seeking God and recognized their need for God's work in their lives. So Jesus went with this man who was in many ways similar to those who would persecute and oppose him and would ultimately demand his crucifixion. Why did he go? Because he loved the man and because the man recognized his need for Jesus' help. This understanding leaves you and me with three important messages:
  1. Jesus loves us no matter what our background or past may be.
  2. He longs for us to admit our need for him and ask for his help.
  3. As Jesus' followers, we are called to love all people, too!

Today's Prayer

Lord God, Sovereign over all creation and the Father of all nations, please open my heart and my eyes to love all kinds of people like your Son demonstrated during his earthly ministry and now does from heaven. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

We Need Jesus!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. Then a leader of the...."
Simple Words, Great Grace
Article by Phil Ware
Where would this woman be without a risk-taking faith that moved her to bold action? Phil Ware reminds us that faith always involves action that demonstrates its reality and Jesus saves in more than the miraculous; he saves us in every way a person can be saved.
Faces in the Crowd
Article by Patrick D. Odum
What's standing in the way of us really finding health care? Patrick Odum reminds us of the heart of Jesus for those who are sick and broken.
At the End of My Rope
Article by Phil Ware
We are here to remind each other that we are not forgotten in our struggles of life, fear, and death. We are here to be the heart, hands, and voice of Jesus to the broken. Phil Ware reminds us that we can all reach the end of our rope and not know what to do and this is when Jesus can step in and change everything.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 5:23-24 NLT — "My little daughter is dying," [Jairus] said. "Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live." Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, March 29, 2024

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 12:19
"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Under the Influence' (Ep. 5:18)
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Everlasting Joy' (Ps. 22:26)
"The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy."

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!