Lent: Journey According To LukeSample

FOR THE DESPERATE

DEVOTION
My son was just a year and a half old when he had an allergic reaction to medicine. His body became red and swollen. He was having trouble breathing and was rushed to hospital by ambulance. My wife and I spent two terrifying days at the hospital before he returned to normal size and color. Those long hours praying and waiting for an answer are some of the most desperate moments of my life. Any parent can imagine Jairus’ fear as he falls at Jesus’ feet begging for the life of his sick daughter. Maybe he had tried the doctors, the healers, and Jesus was his last chance to save his daughter. Any person who has been ill can understand the woman’s desire to be healed. Twelve years of sickness can make a person quite desperate.

Jesus is not flustered by these people’s need. He accepts their desperate faith. He does not turn them away. Because their faith led them to Jesus, they are rewarded with healing and salvation. Just as Jairus and the unnamed woman approached Jesus needing to be helped, we too can be confident that Christ will not reject our desperate faith.

FOR REFLECTION
• Does this story reveal anything to us about Jesus’ character?
• What does this story teach us about faith?
• Can we trust Jesus even in the most desperate of situations?

PRAYER
Holy Father, please help my faith hold firm. Help me to seek you and trust you in all situations. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.