22  And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23  and begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live." 24  So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him....(last week)

34  And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."

35  While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" 36  As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe." 37  And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.

38  Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39  When He came in, He said to them, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping." 40  And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41  Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." 42  Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. 43  But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

I. Interruptions can be divine appointments for displaying the glory of God

II. Miracles interrupt the natural order to authenticate and facilitate faith in the Word of God

III. Healing Faith sometimes brings a temporary interruption to the natural course of events

A. Faith is a Dependant and Expectant Response to the Revealed Character, Promises and Principles of God Heb 11:6

B. Dependent faith results in deeper Contact/Relationship with God John 15

C. God Heals in accord with His perfect will, for our ultimate benefit and to Display His Glory

2Co 12:8...I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I. Our Belief is frequently tested & purified by circumstances (sometimes hopeless) contrary to our expectation

A. Death and sometimes Double Death of a Vision are a way of life (Abraham IS the Father of Faith: no son, kill son, reckon)

B. God is glorified when we believe Him on the basis of His trustworthy word and Character (Job - not just for the benefits)

C. The Dross gets Discarded as we re-evaluate Whom we’re believing, What we’re believing Him for and Why

God’s perspective is different from our perspective until we look at things His way (dead, hands)

                God’s timetable is implemented in perfect wisdom, love, and power

                God’s purpose for our lives is our ultimate best as we contribute to His glory (2Tim 3:12 all..godly..suffer persecution)

1Pt 1:6 though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7  that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ

II. God is not unaware of our fear, but provides His solution to it:  Belief banishes fear

A. Faith requires a personal response: God would rather have a few good unshakeable witnesses than appear on Oprah

B. Jesus’ Method: Multiplication for the Multitude (of trained, reproducing disciples; 3/12/70/500/3000)

III. Even Miracles require responsibility on our part

A. God frequently acts in response to our faith, and refrains from acting when there is no faith. (Mk 6:5-6)

B. Miracles don’t preclude obedient follow-up on our part

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. If faith is so important and miracles help people believe, then why isn’t God doing Class A miracles all the time?

2. Why did Jesus sometimes command people to tell what He did, and other times command them to keep silent? (Mk 1:45)

3. What should be our response when things don’t go our way? Why do we sometimes respond differently than we should?

4. Why would some folks prefer evangelism to disciplemaking? If the bulk of the NT is about disciplemaking, why isn’t there more reproduction?

5. What’s something that you used to desire of God, that you’ve sorta given up on Him answering? Why? Should you persevere?`