Little girl, I tell you to get up.

I Reading: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24: It was the devil’s envy that brought death into the world.

II Reading: 2Cor 8:7. 9.13-15: In giving relief to others, balance what happens to be your surplus now against their present need.

How can a person lay hold of Jesus and His power? This passage deals specially with the desperate and hopeless person; it shows how the desperate person can approach Jesus and secure His help in any situation.

1.    The crowds gathered around Jesus (v.21)

2.    Scene 1: A ruler’s desperate approach (v.22-24)

a.    A selfless attitude

b.    A humble attitude

c.     A pleading attitude

d.    An expectant, believing attitude

e.     The result: Jesus grants the desperate request

3.    Scene 2: A woman’s hopeless approach (v.25-34)

a.    A last-resort attitude

b.    A shy, embarrassed, unworthy attitude

c.     An expectant, believing attitude

d.    A confessing attitude

1)    The cost of service to Jesus

2)    The insensitivity of the apostles

3)    The confession of the woman

e.     The result: Jesus grants the hopeless request

4.    Scene 3: A ruler’s believing approach (v.35-43)

a.    Not a fearful, despairing attitude

1)    Devastating circumstances

2)    The answer to the terrible circumstances: Jesus’ challenge

b.    Not a wailing, whining attitude

1)    Social customs and influences: to express hopelessness

2)    The answer: Jesus’ comfort and assurances

c.     Not a sarcastic, sceptical attitude

d.    An obedient attitude: The parents follow Jesus despite the sarcasm

e.     Jesus grants the believer’s request

1)    The power of Jesus

2)    The amazement of the family

3)    The thoughtfulness of Jesus

Thought: When all else fails, there is Jesus to heal and help the person provided there is a deep faith in the power of Jesus.

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