18While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." - P26
22Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed at that moment. - P27
23When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes,
24he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him.
- P27
Both the synagogue leader and the bleeding woman approach Jesus in faith,
confident that He can heal. Their situations are extreme. The woman hassuffered for twelve years and her condition has made her ritually unclean;she is expected to stay away from others. The synagogue leader‘s daughterhas already died, and when Jesus says that she is sleeping, the crowd laughsat Him. - P28
But both the sick woman and the dead girl are completely restoredwhen Jesus steps in. - P28
There may be obstacles, social pressure, doubt, or fearthat discourage us from drawing near to Jesus. However, when we reach outto Him in faith, we can trust that He sees us and will reach out to us. - P28
Wemust not allow stigma or unbelief to keep us from seeking Him, for His touch still restores today. - P28
John the Baptist’s disciples ask Jesus why His disciples do not follow the common practice of fasting, and Jesus explains that His followers will fast when He ascends and is no longer with them on earth. Spiritual disciplines have their proper time and place. If they are done simply for the sake of following tradition, they become meaningless and unhelpful. - P28
In our faith journey, there will be different seasons of deep devotion, joy, rest, hard work, endurance, and celebration. As we remain close to God, we can discern each season and the areas that we are to grow in during that time. Then we can apply our spiritual disciplines with intentionality and find wholeness in Christ. - P28
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your love and grace. I desire to draw closer to You each day. Help me to come to You in faith without hesitation and to trust in Your plans for me. In Your name I pray, amen. - P28
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