Desperation to Faith: Finding Hope in Jesus

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound narrative of Luke chapter 8, verses 40 through 50, where we encountered two individuals whose desperate situations led them to the feet of Jesus. Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, and a woman with a twelve-year issue of blood, both found themselves at a point of utter desperation. Their stories intertwine as they seek healing and hope from the only One who could provide it.

Jairus, a respected leader and a father, faced the potential loss of his beloved daughter. His desperation drove him to Jesus, falling at His feet, pleading for his daughter's life. Simultaneously, we meet a woman who had suffered for twelve years, spending all she had on physicians without finding relief. In her desperation, she reached out to touch the fringe of Jesus' garment, believing that this act alone would heal her. Her faith was rewarded instantly as she felt her body restored.

Jesus' response to both individuals is telling of His nature. To the woman, He said, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." And to Jairus, as he received the devastating news that his daughter had died, Jesus simply stated, "Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well." These words are a testament to the power of faith and the assurance that Jesus' presence brings.

Throughout the sermon, we delved into the symbolism of Jesus' feet, representing suffering, mercy, power, rest, hope, teaching, comfort, service, worship, and victory. But most importantly, His feet symbolize desperation—a place where we lay down our burdens and find solace in His divine authority and insight.

We were reminded that God's insight supersedes our eyesight, and His Word is powerful and effective, always accomplishing what He desires. We were encouraged to hold onto the promises of God, even when they have yet to come to pass, and to wake up to the joy that is already here.

In the face of fear and uncertainty, we learned to release fear, rely on faith, and rest on His Word. We were called to trust in Jesus' character, promises, and power, even when evidence suggests otherwise. We were urged to stand firm on the Word of God, knowing that His promises are yes and amen.

Finally, we were invited to respond to the call of salvation, to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ, and to live a life of victory through Him. We prayed together, declaring the blood of Jesus against fear and doubt, and rejoicing in the new life found in Him.

Key Takeaways:

- Desperation can be a powerful catalyst for spiritual breakthrough. When we reach the end of our own resources, we are more likely to turn to Jesus with a humility that acknowledges our need for His divine intervention. In these moments, our faith is often most alive and active. [55:28]

- The presence of Jesus is a constant source of comfort and strength. Even when we walk through the darkest valleys, the mere fact that Jesus is with us should dispel our fears. His companionship is the assurance we need to face any challenge with confidence. [01:12:52]

- Faith is not a passive state but an active stance that requires us to keep believing, even when circumstances worsen. It is a trust in God's character and His ultimate good purposes for us, which may not align with our immediate desires or understanding. [01:16:17]

- The Word of God is not just a collection of texts but a foundation to rest our lives upon. When Jesus speaks, His words carry the weight of authority and the promise of fulfillment. To rest on His Word is to trust in His sovereignty and timing. [01:19:51]

- Victory in Jesus is not just about overcoming immediate struggles but experiencing a fullness of life that exceeds our prior conditions. God's restorative work in our lives aims to bring us into a place of abundant life, reflecting His glory and power. [01:23:57]

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
- Luke 8:40-50

### Observation Questions
1. What were the desperate situations faced by Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood? ([48:12])
2. How did Jairus and the woman each approach Jesus in their time of need? ([48:30])
3. What was Jesus' response to the woman after she touched His garment? ([49:53])
4. What did Jesus say to Jairus when he received the news of his daughter's death? ([50:24])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jairus, a respected synagogue leader, was willing to fall at Jesus' feet despite any potential criticism or doubts he might have had? ([58:09])
2. How does the interaction between Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood illustrate the power of faith? ([49:53])
3. What does Jesus' statement "Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well" reveal about His understanding of faith and fear? ([50:24])
4. How does the symbolism of Jesus' feet, as discussed in the sermon, enhance our understanding of His nature and the act of coming to Him in desperation? ([52:24])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were in a desperate situation. How did you respond, and did you turn to Jesus for help? What was the outcome? ([58:42])
2. Jairus had to choose between faith and fear when he saw Jesus healing the woman while his daughter was dying. How do you handle situations where you feel overlooked or ignored by God? ([01:10:03])
3. The woman with the issue of blood believed that just touching Jesus' garment would heal her. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in Jesus' power and presence in your life? ([49:02])
4. Jesus told Jairus to "only believe" even after hearing that his daughter had died. How can you practice maintaining faith in God's promises when circumstances seem to worsen? ([50:24])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of releasing fear, relying on faith, and resting on God's Word. Identify a specific fear you need to release and a promise from God's Word you can hold onto this week. ([01:12:20])
6. The sermon mentioned that God's insight supersedes our eyesight. How can you remind yourself to trust in God's perspective rather than your own understanding in challenging situations? ([01:20:18])
7. Victory in Jesus is described as experiencing a fullness of life. What areas of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus to experience this abundant life? ([01:23:02])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Desperation as a Spiritual Catalyst
Desperation often strips away our self-reliance, leaving us with nothing but the raw truth of our need for something greater than ourselves. In the narrative of Luke 8, we see two individuals at the brink of despair, their situations beyond the help of human hands. It is in this place of utter helplessness that they encounter Jesus, and their desperation becomes the very thing that propels them into a transformative encounter with the Divine. Desperation, then, is not to be shunned but embraced as the fertile ground where faith can take root and flourish. It is here, in the recognition of our own limitations, that we are most open to the miraculous, to the possibility of divine intervention that can change the course of our lives. [55:28]

"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction." - Psalm 107:19-20

Reflection: Recall a time when desperation led you to a deeper experience of God's presence. How did that experience change your relationship with Him?

Day 2: The Comforting Presence of Jesus in Trials
The presence of Jesus offers a profound sense of peace and strength, even in the midst of life's most challenging moments. As believers walk through dark and uncertain times, the reality of Jesus walking alongside them can dispel the shadows of fear. This companionship is not a mere concept but a tangible truth that believers can hold onto. It is the assurance that no valley is too deep or dark if one is traversing it with the Lord. The story of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood illustrates that Jesus' presence brings comfort and the promise of hope, regardless of the circumstances. [01:12:52]

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." - Psalm 23:4

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to be more aware of Jesus' comforting presence today?

Day 3: Active Faith Amidst Adversity
Faith is not a passive state of mind but an active stance that engages with the realities of life. It is a dynamic trust in God's character and His ultimate good purposes, which may not always align with our immediate desires or understanding. The woman with the issue of blood exemplifies this active faith; she reaches out to touch Jesus' garment, an action that requires both physical movement and spiritual determination. Faith involves holding onto God's promises, even when the situation seems to worsen, trusting that His plans are for our good and His glory. [01:16:17]

"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." - Hebrews 11:6

Reflection: What is one step of active faith you can take today in an area where you are seeking breakthrough?

Day 4: Resting on the Authority of God's Word
The Word of God is not merely a collection of ancient texts but a living, active foundation upon which believers can build their lives. When Jesus speaks, His words are not empty promises but carry the full weight of divine authority, with the power to bring about what He has declared. To rest on His Word is to trust in His sovereignty and perfect timing, even when the fulfillment of His promises is not immediately visible. This trust is rooted in the understanding that God's Word is effective and will accomplish its purpose in the believer's life. [01:19:51]

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:10-11

Reflection: How can you demonstrate trust in God's Word in a current situation where you are waiting for His promises to be fulfilled?

Day 5: Experiencing Victory and Fullness in Jesus
Victory in Jesus is not limited to overcoming immediate struggles; it encompasses entering into a life marked by abundance and reflecting the glory and power of God. This victory is a transformative process that often begins with a single step of faith and continues as believers grow in their relationship with Christ. The restoration that Jesus brings is not just a return to a previous state but an elevation to a life that is richer and more fulfilling than before. It is in this victory that believers find true joy and peace, living out the abundant life that Jesus came to give. [01:23:57]

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." - Revelation 12:11

Reflection: What does living a victorious life in Jesus look like for you, and how can you take a step towards that life today?

Quotes

"God's insight supersedes your eyesight. It might look like one thing, but God has an insight. And he's saying based on my insight, it will be well." [01:20:40] ( | | )

"Think about Isaiah 55, 'So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; It shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose.'" [01:21:38] ( | | )

"Jesus' instruction to release the fear, it's not just about dismissing the emotions of fear, but literally redirecting your trust away from the situation and back on him." [01:14:50] ( | | )

"Even though the evidence may say otherwise, you keep on believing God. You don't stop believing God. You don't stop trusting and depending on the word of God." [01:17:14] ( | | )

"Regardless of what reservations you may have about this man named Jesus, you can still come to Jesus. You can come to him filled with your questions, concerns, and complexities." [01:02:01] ( | | )

"Relying on faith means looking beyond the present reality to the assurance of God's faithfulness. That's why we say because He's never let me down before, and He's not gonna let me down now." [01:18:24] ( | | )

"Resting on his word literally means taking Jesus at his word and believing that what he said will come to pass. It's a call to trust the reliability and authority of Jesus's word." [01:19:51] ( | | )

"What God is getting ready to do in your life? It's not going to be going back to how it was just before the incident happened. God is going to bring you to that point where you're going to experience life and life more abundantly." [01:23:57] ( | | )

"His feet are suggestive of victory. Hebrews chapter 2 verse 8 tells us this, 'putting everything in subjection under his feet.' His feet are subjective of victory." [53:11] ( | | )

"When you have a desperate need, you will go wherever and to whomever you can to get help. Do I have a witness in the house today? So he was desperate, he was a desperate dad that came to Jesus." [57:34] ( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?