Kingdom Power: Courage & Compassion | Week 4 | Jesus' Compassion | Matthew 9:18-34

Week 4 | Jesus' Compassion 

“And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. - Matthew 9:20-22

Matthew 9:18-34  

Jesus shows compassion and we show faith. In these verses we see three more episodes of Jesus miraculous healing. These accounts are grouped together and significant to teach us the exceeding depth of both the King’s compassion for His people and the faith Jesus’ people have in His willingness and ability to use His power to act out his compassion.

Faith of a Father (9:18-19) – A ruler from the synagogue named Jairus comes to Jesus grief stricken at the death of his 12-year-old daughter. He is willing to risk his social standing within the only community he has ever know to reach out to Jesus even bowing before him as LORD on behalf of his only daughter. His desperation has led him risk all he knows because he has faith Jesus can heal his daughter even though she had just died.

Faith of the Long Suffering (9:20-22) - Jesus is on mission on the way to mission. Jesus clothes are touched by a woman who has be long suffering with a blood discharge condition. Her condition apparently was not life threatening, but the quality and condition of her life was greatly diminished by it. It was physically debilitating and made her a social pariah. What she did was both bold and fearful. Jesus tells her in front of everyone “Take Heart, Daughter, your faith has made you well.”

Mourning to Marveling (9:23-26) - With only the faithful present Jesus takes her dead hand and speaks “Little girl, I say to you arise.” (Mark 5:41) and immediately she gets up and starts walking around. Because of hand and word of Jesus, a faithful father who was in mourning is now marveling at the saving life-giving work of Jesus in the life of his child.

Faith of the Blind (9:27-31) - As the reports of Jesus healing go out more who are desperate place their faith in Jesus and begin to follow and pursue him. Two blind men follow Jesus and beg him for Mercy. Faith in Jesus leads to seeing the world with new eyes and sharing with the world what Jesus does. They go from being blind unable to see the works of Jesus; to broadcasting the amazing work he has done in their lives.

Compassion to the Faithless (9:32-34) - Jesus’ compassion extends far beyond those who have previously demonstrated their faith in Him. Through faithful friends a demon possessed man is set free by Jesus.

QUESTIONS:

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus, his compassion, or our faith?
2. Which of these stories of faith resonated with you and why?How are each different? How are they each similar?
3. Why is the relationship between faith and physical or spiritual healing difficult to understand and navigate? Why is it important to distinguish between the amount of our faith and the object of it?
4. Where do you need Jesus to bring healing in your life? When have you been long suffering and received relief?

PRAY – Praise God the Father who loves His children more than Jarius loves his daughter. Thank Jesus for being on a mission of healing and wholeness. Ask the Holy Spirit to comfort our places of pain and turn or mourning into marveling.

Watch or Listen to the Sermon HERE