A synagogue leader faced a tragedy—his young daughter had just died. His situation was beyond human help. In desperation, he abandoned his pride and reputation, came to Jesus and knelt before him. He believed that if Jesus only laid his hand on his dead daughter, she would live. What great faith he had. Genuine faith kneels before Jesus and asks him, “If you touch what seems beyond repair, it can live again.”

On the way to the synagogue leader’s house, Jesus was interrupted by a woman who had been suffering from blooding for 12 years. She had no status, and no right to be in the crowd. But she had faith in Jesus, believing he could heal her. She touched his cloak in faith and was healed. Her faith was quiet, personal, and desperate. Jesus honored her faith and called it saving faith.

In the synagogue leader’s house, mourners laughed at Jesus when he told them that the girl was not dead but asleep. To them, death was the end of everything. But to Jesus, death was just sleep. He took her by the hand, and life came back to her. Jesus has authority over death. Death, hopelessness, or despair are no match for Jesus’ authority and compassion.
Application: Lord, you are the resurrection and the life. Teach me to trust you even when everything seems hopeless and beyond repair.
One Word: Jesus brings all things to life