One of the most satisfying events of my parenting life was experiencing the wedding of our oldest daughter. As an artist, she has impeccable taste. It was utterly beautiful (right down to the cake from Freeport Bakery). #10yearanniversary

From the passage below, the parents of a 12 year old girl had just witnessed her “resurrection” and they were amazed. Jesus told them to give her something to eat and to not to speak of this miracle. The first request would be easy (especially for me as I love to feed my family) but the second directive would be nearly impossible.

The ruler of the synagogue had somehow “lived” through the devastating news that his daughter had died.

Jesus gave him some spiritual nourishment,  “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” (See verse 52 below)

Whether we nourish our family with significant and satisfying experiences or are the first to seek the source of nourishment on their behalf as this father did (and most parents do in midnight prayer sessions), we should always be amazed.

Jesus Christ the LORD is the source of all we need. Are we waiting for Him?

The crowds were waiting for Jesus, expectant because of their faith in who He was. As noted by Luke the physician, (in this same chapter) Jesus cast out a legion of demons and calmed the wind and waves by rebuking them. Now, the people were more than willing to let Him have authority in their individual lives.

We may not always have the freedom to proclaim His mighty acts, but we can be continually nourished, thereby nourishing others with our own faith.

Lord, we are amazed at your acts as the mighty God. Would you be our prince of peace this Easter season? -Teresa #resurrection

Luke 8:40-56 English Standard Version**

Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus’s Daughter

⁴⁰ Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. ⁴¹ And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, ⁴² for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

As Jesus went, the people pressed around him.⁴³ 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,^[a] she could not be healed by anyone. ⁴⁴ She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. ⁴⁵ And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter^[b] said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” ⁴⁶ But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” ⁴⁷ 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.⁴⁸ And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

⁴⁹ 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.” ⁵⁰ But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” ⁵¹ And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. ⁵² And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” ⁵³ And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. ⁵⁴ But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” ⁵⁵ And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. ⁵⁶ And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Footnotes

1. Luke 8:3 Some manuscripts him
2. Luke 8:19 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 20, 21
3. Luke 8:26 Some manuscripts Gadarenes; others Gergesenes; also verse 37
4. Luke 8:27 Greek he; also verses 38, 42
5. Luke 8:36 Greek daimonizomai (demonized); elsewhere rendered oppressed by demons
6. Luke 8:43 Some manuscripts omit and though she had spent all her living on physicians
7. Luke 8:45 Some manuscripts add and those who were with him

*photo credit: Michelle Ellingson

**OneYearBibleOnline