THE KING’S BUSINESS
238
How did He know that someone had touched Him ? Did it cost Him anything to heal sick people? What sort o f an errand was Jesus going on when this woman stopped Him? Why did He stop? Did Jesus just want to expose the poor woman to the curious crowd or was there Some deeper reason for calling her out? Would the woman have missed anything, had Jesus allowed her to steal this bless ing? How would she have felt through the rest o f her life? What did she do when He looked around in the crowd? How did He reward her confession? Have you come to Jesus for healing? Have you confessed Him before men? (See Matt. 10:32). « bind up the broken-hearted? He always responds to faith’s call. Faith is the one great requisite which. He demands. To the centurion He said, “As thou hast believed.” To the father o f the lunatic, “All things are possible to him that believeth.” T o the blind man, “Believe ye that I am able to do this,?” And to Martha, “ Saidst I not unto thee that if thou wouldst believe?” “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.” Because the Lord stopped by the way to heal a woman, Faith Relaxed. Here, as in the case o f the beloved Lazarus, He seemed in no hurry and the child fell asleep, but Faith is Restored by the words “Be not afraid; only believe.” These words came like a benediction to the anxious-hearted father. There was delay in the answer, but no denial o f the request. There are times when our prayers seem unanswered, but He is on the way. A word from His lips inspires faith. “ Fear not, Abram, I am thy shield.” “ Fear not, O Jacob, my servant.” “Fear not, Paul, thou must be brought to Rome.” “Fear not, little flock, it is your'Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” The home o f the centurion was like the sea in a storm. It is a picture o f the world
II. Jesus Restoring a Sick Woman to Health, v t . 25-34. How long had she been sick? What had she done to try and get well ? Why did her case seem hopeless? . Why did she come to see Jesus? Has anyone fever come to Jesus because o f hearing what Jesus has done for you? What did she do when she came near tJesus? How much faith had she? (cf. v. 34). What took place when she touched Jesus’ garment? How long a time was it from when she touched His garment to when she was healed? How completely cured was she ? What did Jesus do “ immediately” ? T T AVE any of the rulers believed on Him?” Yes, here is one who did, Jairus by name, and who exemplified faith in its workings., “ Faith cometh by hear ing.” He had heard. Perhaps he had also seen some: o f the mighty works. He may never have made any definite decision con cerning Jesus until this great need came into his home, the stroke that threatened the life o f his child, then his Faith was Revealed. How wonderfully God works through His providences! Does God permit sick ness? He surely does—and He permits many strange experiences to overtake us that He may thereby enable us to exercise our faith. When the darling daughter lay dying, and there was no human help, he thought o f Jesus. Deep sorrows or trials prepare us' for deep humility, soften our hearts, break down our pride and bring us to the feet o f Jesus. His Faith is Recognized. The Lord responded at once,( v. 24). “ The Lord went with him.” He will always come when sought and will go when asked. The heart o f Jesus felt the touch o f the father’s grief. Did our Lord not have a Father? Did He not come at the Father’s bidding to
HEART OF THE LESSON
By T. C. Horton.
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs