Summary
This powerful message takes us deep into Luke chapter 8, where we encounter two desperate situations that teach us the profound difference between fear and faith. We meet a synagogue leader whose twelve-year-old daughter is dying, and a woman who has suffered from bleeding for twelve years, as long as that little girl has been alive. Both face impossible circumstances. Both have every reason to give up hope. Yet both choose faith over fear. The woman’s act of touching the fringe of Jesus’ robe wasn’t just a desperate grab—it may have been a profound declaration of messianic belief, rooted in Malachi’s prophecy about healing in the Messiah’s wings. She risked public shame and broke religious law because she believed God was bigger than her circumstances. Meanwhile, Jairus watched his daughter die while Jesus was delayed, yet Jesus spoke those transformative words: ‘Don’t be afraid. Only believe.’ The message challenges us to understand that faith isn’t rejecting reality—it’s recognizing that God is bigger than our reality. We’re reminded that without faith, it’s impossible to please God, and that true faith isn’t merely believing in God’s existence, but believing God Himself—trusting that He is who He says He is, has done what He said He did, and will do what He promised to do. Even when circumstances seem insurmountable, even when death itself appears final, we’re called to trust in the One who makes resurrection as simple as waking someone from sleep.
Key Scripture – Read Luke 8:40-56
Discussion Questions
Part 1: Understanding Faith vs. Fear
- Stephen said, “Fear makes things seem way bigger than they really are.”
- What current circumstance in your life feels overwhelming right now?
- How might fear be distorting your perspective of that situation?
- Two desperate situations are presented: Jairus’s dying daughter and the woman with chronic bleeding.
- Which person’s story resonates more with you right now, and why?
- What do you think it cost each of them to approach Jesus?
Part 2: The Nature of True Faith
- The sermon distinguished between believing IN God versus believing God.
- How would you explain this difference in your own words?
- Which one better describes your current relationship with God?
- Read James 2:19 together: “Even the demons believe—and shudder!”
- Why is intellectual belief in God’s existence not enough?
- What does it look like practically to move from believing IN God to believing God?
Part 3: The Woman’s Bold Faith
- The woman with the bleeding issue violated two major laws: being in a crowd and touching people.
- What risk did she take by reaching out to Jesus?
- What “rules” or fears might keep us from boldly approaching Jesus today?
- Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” even though the crowd was pressing in on Him.
- What’s the difference between being near Jesus and actually touching Him in faith?
- How can we be in church, in a Christian community, yet still not truly “touch” Jesus?
Part 4: Jairus’s Tested Faith
- Imagine being Jairus during the delay while Jesus stopped to address the woman.
- How would you have felt watching Jesus pause while your daughter was dying?
- When has God’s timing felt frustratingly slow in your life?
- Jesus told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.”
- Why can fear and faith not coexist?
- What would it look like for you to “only believe” in your current situation?
Part 5: The Reality of Death and Hope
- The pastor pointed out that both the little girl and the woman eventually died again—yet Jesus still healed them.
- How does this reality affect how we pray for healing today?
- What does this teach us about God’s ultimate plan beyond our earthly lives?
Scripture Reference
- Luke 8:40-56 – The primary passage (Jairus’s daughter and the woman with bleeding)
- Malachi 4:2 – “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings”
- Matthew 14:36 – People touching the end of Jesus’ robe for healing
- Numbers 15 – Instructions about tassels on robes symbolizing God’s commands
- Hebrews 11:1 – Definition of faith (read at the start of service)
- Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God”
- Hebrews 11:13-16 – Those who died in faith seeking a heavenly homeland
- James 2:19 – “You believe that God is one. Good. Even the demons believe and shudder”
- 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians – References to those who are “asleep” (general reference, not specific verses)