One With Simple Faith
Jimmy Anderson, Creek
Luke 8:43-48
“Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” Luke 8:48
As Jesus witnesses and ministers to people with different needs & challenges, He meets a woman who seeks healing, but doing it to avoid any kind of publicity – she doesn’t want anyone to know about it. Do we know of someone who might want a change in their life, but if any knew of the real condition, it would be embarrassing to them? I’ve witnessed to such people. What would Jesus do and what would He say?
1. First, Jesus just comes from the area of Gadara, where He is told to leave after He heals a demoniac, the people’s pigs are indwelt by demons and run into the sea and die. Notice, that now He returns to the Galileans, He is gladly received and they are waiting for Him.
a If you are always open to the presence of Christ in your life, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Second, Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, pleads with Jesus to come to his house, as he has an only daughter that is dying. With a crowd around Him, Jesus doesn’t go with Jairus because he stated the desperate need, and he asked Him! Would you aks Jesus to go home with you?
3. As they’re going, and Jairus wants to hurry, something happens.
a A woman, trying to be unnoticed in the crowd, reaches out and touches the hem of Jesus’ prayer garment, having faith that just a touch would heal her.
b Scripture says she has had an issue of blood for years and not doctor could heal her, tho’ she has spent all her living on medical expenses. She is desperate, with no money, and facing a terminal prognosis. Her's is a personal, intimate affliction, and not easy to bring to the attention of a busy, well known Healer.
c She might even think, “He’s so busy and who am I that Jesus would take the time to hear of my intimate need? And He might not think my need is important enough to listen to someone like me.” And you might think the Lord would not listen to your cry for help.
d But remember, it was Jesus who said, “Come unto me all ye who are weary and are heavy laden, an I will give you rest. (Matt 11:28)” So come, my friend, to the Comforter, TODAY!
4. WHAT DOES JESUS DO AND SAY?
a Scripture says that soon as she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, she was healed, and Jesus sensed it. He says, “Who touched Me?” (Luke 8:45). Note, that when you call on Jesus in simple faith Jesus knows it! Scripture also tells us if we ask
in faith, anything is possible. “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matt 21:22
b The disciples say, “With all this crowd pressing against you, you ask who touched you?” Luke 8:45
c But Jesus states that one touch brought a cure out of Him. Friend, Jesus knew the woman who touched Him, and He knows when you’re serious when you call on Him. He wasn’t complaining, nor annoyed, for He delights to do good. He just wants you and me to admit it when He showers His blessings on us, so that God gets the glory!
d Be aware of this, that non of us can be hid from Christ – and that should encourage us to show before Him all our sin and troubles. Even that which causes us embarrassment!
5. When she realizes she is found out, she comes trembling and falls down before Jesus and confesses before everyone her embarrassing affliction, her faith to touch His garment, and how she was healed immediately. This was s simple, yet profound, faith!
a I recall a Pueblo woman in Shawnee, joyously proclaiming in one service, how, after much prayer for her kidneys, she could now urinate. None of us were embarrassed, we all joyously shouted, “Amen! Praise the LORD!”
b We all need to give testimony to what great things Christ has done for us. If we all did that, it might start a Holy Ghost revival! Amen??
c Jesus, then looks at her and says, “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.”
Luke 8:48
Friend, your faith in Jesus can make you whole!
You might have an embarrassing sin, or affliction. Don’t hide it from the Lord. He already knows. Bring it to Him, confess it, and call on Him in faith. And see what He can do! Just a touch will do! You can go from this service in peace!
Jimmy Anderson, Creek
Published by permission - GW - Victory Ministries of Middle TN - VMMTN.COM
Thanks for Taking Five - God bless and bless GOD
