Craving Faith: A Desperate Pursuit of Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of "craving faith" through the stories of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood from Luke 8. Both individuals were in desperate situations, driven by a deep need that led them to seek Jesus with unwavering determination. Jairus, a synagogue leader, faced the imminent death of his daughter and had exhausted all other options. The woman, suffering for 12 years, had tried every possible remedy without success. Both stories illustrate the power of faith that goes beyond mere belief to a deep, desperate craving for divine intervention.
Jairus, despite his religious status and knowledge, found himself powerless and in need of Jesus. His journey to seek Jesus was marked by a profound realization that human efforts and wisdom were insufficient. Similarly, the woman, considered unclean by societal standards, risked everything to touch Jesus' garment, believing that even the slightest contact would bring healing. Her faith was not just a hope but a desperate craving for a miracle.
Jesus' response to both individuals highlights the importance of faith that seeks Him diligently. He acknowledged the woman's faith, calling her "daughter" and affirming her healing. For Jairus, even when news came that his daughter had died, Jesus encouraged him to "just believe." This teaches us that faith is not just about the initial act of seeking but also about sustaining belief even when circumstances seem hopeless.
The sermon concluded with a call to examine our own faith. Do we crave Jesus with the same desperation as Jairus and the woman? Are we content with superficial needs, or do we recognize our deep, soul-level need for Him? The challenge is to cultivate a faith that diligently seeks Jesus, trusting that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Desperate Faith Moves God: Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood both demonstrated a desperate faith that moved Jesus to act. Their stories remind us that when we are at the end of our resources and turn to Jesus with a deep, desperate need, He responds with compassion and power. [05:43]
2. Faith Beyond Social Boundaries: The woman with the issue of blood broke social and religious boundaries to reach Jesus. Her story teaches us that true faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and societal norms to seek Jesus wholeheartedly. [16:27]
3. Sustaining Faith in Hopeless Situations: Jairus' journey with Jesus, even after hearing of his daughter's death, illustrates the importance of sustaining faith in seemingly hopeless situations. Jesus' encouragement to "just believe" is a call to maintain our faith even when circumstances are dire. [23:55]
4. Faith That Makes Us Whole: Jesus' declaration to the woman, "Your faith has made you whole," emphasizes that faith in Him brings complete healing and restoration. This wholeness is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, addressing every aspect of our being. [25:54]
5. Craving Faith: The concept of craving faith challenges us to examine the depth of our desire for Jesus. Are we content with superficial needs, or do we recognize our profound need for Him? True faith is characterized by a relentless pursuit of Jesus, trusting that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. [35:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Introduction and Honoring Pastor
[03:02] - God is Moving in Your Heart
[03:44] - Luke 8:43-48: The Woman with the Issue of Blood
[05:08] - Jesus Perceives Power Leaving Him
[06:23] - Jesus Calls Her "Daughter"
[07:05] - Craving Faith
[08:09] - The Story of Jairus
[09:51] - The Law of Uncleanness
[11:16] - Jairus' Desperation
[14:06] - The Crowd's Lack of Need
[16:27] - The Woman's Desperate Need
[18:59] - The Woman's Risk
[21:23] - Jairus' Hope and Despair
[23:55] - Jesus' Encouragement to Jairus
[25:54] - Faith That Makes Us Whole
[27:01] - Diligently Seeking God
[35:22] - Craving Faith
[40:59] - The Call to Need Jesus
[42:05] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 8:43-48 (ESV): "And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, 'Who was it that touched me?' When all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!' But Jesus said, 'Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.' And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.'"
2. Luke 8:49-50 (ESV): "While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, 'Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.' But Jesus on hearing this answered him, 'Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.'"
3. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the condition of the woman who touched Jesus' garment, and how long had she suffered from it? ([03:44])
2. How did Jesus respond when He realized someone had touched Him with a desperate need? ([05:08])
3. What was Jesus' message to Jairus when he received news of his daughter's death? ([21:56])
4. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is necessary to please God?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the woman with the issue of blood was willing to risk everything to touch Jesus' garment? What does this say about her faith? ([18:16])
2. How does Jesus' response to the woman and Jairus illustrate the concept of "craving faith"? ([25:54])
3. What does it mean to "diligently seek" God according to Hebrews 11:6, and how does this apply to the stories of Jairus and the woman? ([27:01])
4. How can the reaction of the crowd to Jesus' statement about Jairus' daughter being "asleep" inform our understanding of faith in seemingly hopeless situations? ([33:14])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were in a desperate situation. How did you respond, and did you turn to Jesus with the same determination as Jairus or the woman with the issue of blood? ([11:54])
2. Are there any societal or personal boundaries that you need to break through to seek Jesus more wholeheartedly? What steps can you take to overcome these barriers? ([16:27])
3. How do you sustain your faith when circumstances seem hopeless, like Jairus did after hearing of his daughter's death? What practical steps can you take to "just believe" in difficult times? ([21:56])
4. In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate a deeper craving for Jesus? Identify one specific area and discuss how you can pursue Him more diligently in that aspect. ([35:22])
5. Think about a situation where you felt unclean or unworthy to approach Jesus. How does the story of the woman with the issue of blood encourage you to seek Him despite your feelings of unworthiness? ([25:54])
6. How can you encourage someone else who is struggling to maintain their faith in a seemingly hopeless situation? Share a personal experience or a biblical example that might inspire them. ([33:14])
7. What practical actions can you take this week to demonstrate a "craving faith" that diligently seeks Jesus? Consider setting a specific goal or commitment to deepen your relationship with Him. ([27:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Desperate Faith Moves God
When we find ourselves at the end of our resources, it is often the moment we turn to God with a desperate faith. Jairus, a synagogue leader, and the woman with the issue of blood both reached out to Jesus in their moments of deepest need. Jairus, despite his religious status, realized that human efforts were insufficient to save his daughter. The woman, after 12 years of suffering and trying every remedy, believed that touching Jesus' garment would heal her. Their stories remind us that when we approach Jesus with a deep, desperate need, He responds with compassion and power. [05:43]
Mark 5:22-23 (ESV): "Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, 'My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel at the end of your resources. How can you turn to Jesus with a desperate faith, trusting Him to intervene?
Day 2: Faith Beyond Social Boundaries
The woman with the issue of blood broke through social and religious boundaries to reach Jesus. Despite being considered unclean and risking public shame, she believed that even the slightest touch of Jesus' garment would heal her. This act of faith required her to step out of her comfort zone and societal norms. True faith often demands that we go beyond what is socially acceptable or comfortable to seek Jesus wholeheartedly. [16:27]
Luke 8:43-44 (ESV): "And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased."
Reflection: Is there a social or personal boundary that you need to cross to seek Jesus more wholeheartedly? What steps can you take today to move beyond your comfort zone in your faith journey?
Day 3: Sustaining Faith in Hopeless Situations
Jairus' journey with Jesus did not end when he heard that his daughter had died. Instead, Jesus encouraged him to "just believe," teaching us the importance of sustaining faith even in seemingly hopeless situations. This story illustrates that faith is not just about the initial act of seeking Jesus but also about maintaining belief when circumstances appear dire. Jesus' words to Jairus remind us to hold on to our faith, trusting that He can bring life and hope even in the darkest moments. [23:55]
Mark 5:35-36 (ESV): "While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, 'Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?' But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, 'Do not fear, only believe.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation that seems hopeless in your life. How can you sustain your faith and trust in Jesus' power to bring hope and change?
Day 4: Faith That Makes Us Whole
Jesus' declaration to the woman, "Your faith has made you whole," emphasizes that faith in Him brings complete healing and restoration. This wholeness is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, addressing every aspect of our being. The woman's faith led to her physical healing, but Jesus also acknowledged her as "daughter," restoring her identity and dignity. This teaches us that true faith in Jesus brings comprehensive healing and wholeness to our lives. [25:54]
Luke 8:48 (ESV): "And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need Jesus' healing and restoration? How can you bring these areas to Him in faith, trusting Him to make you whole?
Day 5: Craving Faith
The concept of craving faith challenges us to examine the depth of our desire for Jesus. Are we content with superficial needs, or do we recognize our profound need for Him? True faith is characterized by a relentless pursuit of Jesus, trusting that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood both demonstrated a deep, desperate craving for Jesus' intervention, which moved Him to act. This kind of faith calls us to seek Jesus with all our heart, soul, and mind. [35:22]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. Do you crave His presence and intervention in your life? What steps can you take today to seek Him more diligently and wholeheartedly?
Quotes
1. "God is moving in your heart, and He's moving in your family. And He's doing something. And I honor you because you thought you were doing it based on responsibility. But you're following the Spirit of God this morning, and I honor you for that." [03:02] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you're not here, none of this matters. If you are not here, we are wasting our time. But you are here. And your spirit is here to touch those who crave you. Those who need you. Those who are diligently seeking you. Those who have been searching so long. And they are depending on you this morning. Lord Jesus, you are here. You are here for them. And we thank you." [07:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Some of you feel like you've been passed over. And death has been your answer. Maybe not physical death, but you've watched the death of relationships. You've tried to make connections and build your faith in God and you feel like that has crumbled and it's died. You've tried to get over addictions and issues and you've felt like it's died. You've searched for answers and you feel like all that hope has died." [23:55] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you go to God for those issues you've prayed so long about, you have forgotten when you started, you have never made him unclean. When you've gone to him with your addiction, and your depression, and that failure of a person you feel, you have never made him unclean. But he can make you clean. He can deliver you. He can save you. He can heal you. Your uncleanness means nothing to him because when you simply touch the garment and you've gone through, there is healing that has come." [25:54] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. He is a rewarder of those who crave him, who long for him. It doesn't matter what mistakes have happened. And it doesn't matter what death has interrupted your journey. If you crave him, if you long for him, he has the message and the answer for you." [35:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "There is no scenario where God wants to leave you alone. There's no scenario. Even when that woman interrupted Jairus' miracle. There's no scenario. Where Jerry. Where God isn't coming to Jairus' house. There is no scenario where Jesus isn't going to continue that journey. With one caveat. If Jairus would have said, I no longer need you. The death was final, Jesus. I don't need you anymore. It's over. That relationship is done with. My future is done with. My daughter is done with. Jairus had to need the Lord." [38:32] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Do you crave the answer? How bad do you really want the answer? Are you content with having a good time of prayer? Are you content with going home? Having a nice burger? Having a nice meal? Maybe watching something on TV? Playing a game? Going bowling later? Is that enough for you? And I don't mean that accusatory. Some people that thronged Jesus, that was okay for them. That's all they wanted. But two people craved him. And both got their answer." [39:38] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Because if you don't need him, he won't continue that journey to your house. He won't make his way further. But if you do need him, and you may be so tired and so distraught and so tired of praying, but if you will need him again, he will continue that journey. He's going to do it. He said, if you ask, you will receive. He is the rewarder of those. So diligently seek him." [40:59] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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