7th Sunday of Luke
Today, we get two for the price of one. The reading starts with a ruler of a synagogue coming to Jesus.
His daughter is sick and he wants Jesus to come to his house and heal her.
But, while Jesus is on the way, another incident happens.
A woman, an outcast from society, sneaks up and touches Jesus’s coat.
As a result, she’s made well. When Jesus finally makes it to the ruler’s house, his daughter has died.
But, Jesus is easily able to raise her from the dead.
Previously, the Sunday readings have focused on the inclusion of the outsider in God’s new Kingdom.
By faith, they are able to become children of God.
Now, we see how this same gospel of mercy grants the insiders purity and life as well. All that’s needed is trust in Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 8:41-56
Bottom Line: It’s our trust in Christ that purifies us and bestows life.
Discussion Questions
- The “flow of blood” made the woman “unclean” and unable to be a part of society. Who are the outcasts of our society? What makes them outcasts? How can the gospel bring them back into the community?
- The woman demonstrated great trust by touching Jesus’s coat. How does this trust translate into today’s situation? How do you demonstrate trust in Christ? Or, what keeps you from demonstrating trust in Christ?
- At the end of the reading, the girl needs to be fed. As I say below, this is being fed with the gospel, not just bread. What are ways, in your daily life, you can continually be fed with the Word of God? What’s missing in your “diet”? What can you do to be fed more while attending services?
Moving Forward
The number 12 appears in both of today’s stories.
The implication is that both the woman and the girl are Judeans—that is, insiders.
The point of today’s gospel is that insiders are also called to be a part of God’s new Kingdom.
But, they aren’t automatically a part of it.
They become children of God in the same way as the outsiders (Gentiles): through trusting in Jesus.
But trust isn’t just going through a simple rite of passage, such as baptism.
It’s a lifelong process.
Notice, after Jesus raises the ruler’s daughter, he says, “Giver her something to eat.”
Jesus isn’t talking about bread.
The food Jesus offers is the teaching of the gospel.
This girl needs to be continually fed with the Word of God.
It’s the same with us.
We also, as baptized Christians, need to be continually fed or else our trust is in vain.
Changing Your Mind
“But hearing this Jesus answered him, ‘Do not be afraid; only have faith and she will be saved’.” (Luke 8:50)
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