2 Truths About God’s Compassion for the Hopeless
1. When you bring your need to Jesus and trust Him to help, you can be
Luke 8:40-44
Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,[a] but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
2. If you feel like a spiritual outsider, Jesus is eager to
Luke 8:45-48
“Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” 47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
Discussion Questions
Read Luke 8:40-48
1. The woman in this story reached out to Jesus despite her fear and uncertainty (verse 44). How does this encourage us to seek Jesus in our own struggles, even when we feel unworthy or unsure?
2. Jesus refers to the woman as “Daughter” after she is healed (verse 48). How does this show us God’s desire to welcome outsiders and the forgotten into His family?
3. This week’s message emphasized that Jesus acts graciously on behalf of those who turn toward Him with their need, even when their faith is imperfect. Can you share about a time when you or someone you know experienced God’s mercy despite doubt or uncertainty?
4. How does the idea of Jesus’ deep, gut-level compassion shape the way you desire to respond to others who are suffering or feeling excluded? Are there any specific ways you feel led to apply this?
5. How can we support or pray for you in response to what we’ve talked about today?