Don't Be Afraid; Just Believe

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Don't Be Afraid; Just Believe

Date: Mar. 1, 2020

Passage

Luke 8:49-56 (ESV)

49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 8:50

But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”

1. Responding to fear with faith (49-50)

Before Jesus finished his conversation, someone came and told Jairus that his daughter had died. While the girl was alive, there was a glimmer of hope. But when she was dead, there was no point in bothering Jesus. All earthly hope died with Jairus' daughter. Yet Jesus told Jairus not to be afraid, to believe in him and experience a miracle. When fear and death come, we, too, must hear Jesus' word, "Don't be afraid; just believe." How will you respond in the face of hopelessness and fear?

2. "My child, get up!" (51-56)

Jairus evidently believed for he continued with Jesus back to his home. The wailing and mourning created an atmosphere of death and unbelief. Jesus said the girl was asleep. People laughed. Jesus took his top disciples and the dead girl's parents into the room. He took the girl's hand and said, "My child, get up!" The girl came back to life! Jesus is stronger than death. No matter how dark and difficult our circumstances, let us overcome fear by believing in Jesus.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for walking with me in my trials. Help me not to be afraid but just believe.

One Word: Overcome fear with faith.

The Lamb Will Triumph

Revelation 17:1-18

Key Verse: 17:14

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Today's Question

What is creation?

See answer and references