Sermon Central
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Never Without Hope - Part Two
Contributed by Richard Bell on Jan 27, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: There have been times when the events of life have created what we sometimes see as a hopeless situation. Things are never hopeless when Jesus appears on the scene.
NEVER WITHOUT HOPE – Part 2
INTRODUCTION: In the first part of this message we saw that Jesus was on His way to the home of Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, to heal his little girl. She was sick unto death. On the way there was a woman with an issue of blood that was healed by Jesus. Jairus must have been anxious to get going and not be sidetracked again. There wasn’t a moment to lose or the situation could turn hopeless. There have been times when the events of life have created what we sometimes see as hopeless situations. There is no such thing as a hopeless situation when Jesus comes on the scene.
ILLUSTRATE: Jesus at the grave of Lazarus.
There is no such thing as a hopeless situation for the One that said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus has power even over sickness and death. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Are you looking at what may seem a hopeless situation today?
I. JESUS’ RESPONSE TO BAD NEWS
1. On His way to the home of Jairus they were met with bad news (v.35).
a. Notice that the news came even “while He yet spake.”
b. Even in during a wonderful lesson on faith the bad news came.
c. Isn’t it just like the devil to bring discouragement during a time of victory?
d. We need the spirit of Joshua and Caleb (see Numbers 13:23-33).
e. Jesus spoke the Word of encouragement to build Jairus faith—“Don’t be afraid, only believe” (v.36). The opposite of faith is fear and the only way to successfully combat fear is read and stand upon God’s Word—the Word of encouragement.
f. Fear doesn’t please God—faith does.
II. JESUS’ REWARD TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE
1. Jesus would only allow a select few to witness His miracle.
a. Though not perfect, Peter, James, and John were able to be witness to Christ’s power over even death.
b. I believe that He saw in them a level of faith that perhaps the other disciples were yet to show. Remember that it was Peter that had faith enough to step out of the ship at the beckon call of Jesus.
2. The scene at Jairus’ home was one of confusion, despair, and sorrow (v.38).
3. They laughed at Jesus and ridiculed the words He spoke (vv.39,40). They were laughing at GOD! How tragic! How sinful to take so lightly the promises of God. Even in His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus (the Creator) could not do many mighty works, not because He didn’t have the power, but because of the unbelief of the people.
4. Jesus put them out because of their unbelief. ILLUSTRATION: Like Smith Wigglesworth who wouldn’t even allow a newspaper in the place where he was praying, my grandfather would not pray for the sick, until those without the faith to believe would step out of the room.
5. What a privilege the child’s dad, mom, Peter, James, and John had, however (v.40). Can you just picture the love, compassion, and gentleness of Jesus as He took them into the child’s room to see the POWER OF GOD manifested?
6. Child of God, if you have faith you will see the power of God manifested in your life, your home, and your church. AWAY WITH ALL UNBELIEF!
7. Jesus took the little girl’s lifeless, cold hand and spoke these words, “Damsel, I say unto thee, ARISE.”
8. They were words of life. Picture it—immediately her ashen gray/blue color became pink and warm her body became warm with vitality and life! She arose from her bed of death and walked (v.42).
CONCLUSION: They were astonished with a great astonishment (v.42). Jesus told them that she must be hungry and to get her something to eat. He knew that all twelve-year-olds are always hungry. What a miracle—what a manifestation of God’s mighty power!
Jesus will always respond in might and power to that come to Him in faith. Will you come to Him in faith right now?
