When Desperation Meets Jesus
1. Discussion Questions
Where in your life have you experienced desperation like Jairus or the bleeding woman? How did that drive you toward (or away from) Jesus?
Why do you think Jesus stopped to call the woman forward instead of letting her slip away quietly? What does that show us about His heart?
How do you respond when it feels like God is “too late” in answering your prayers?
What do these two miracles teach us about Jesus’ authority over sickness, shame, and death?
How does this passage preview the resurrection of Jesus and the eternal hope we have in Him?
How can we as a church community walk with people in desperate situations?
2. Daily Devotions for Adults (Monday–Saturday)
Monday – At Jesus’ Feet (Luke 8:41)
Read: Luke 8:40–42
Reflection: Jairus, a respected leader, humbled himself at Jesus’ feet. Desperation often strips away pride. What does it mean for you to “fall at Jesus’ feet” this week?
Prayer: Lord, teach me to come humbly and honestly to You in every need.
Tuesday – Reaching in Faith (Luke 8:44)
Read: Luke 8:43–44
Reflection: The woman believed that one touch would be enough. Where do you need to exercise bold, simple faith in Jesus today?
Prayer: Jesus, help me to trust You with childlike faith.
Wednesday – Known and Loved (Luke 8:48)
Read: Luke 8:45–48
Reflection: Jesus called the woman “Daughter.” He restores identity as well as health. How does knowing you are God’s child reshape how you live?
Prayer: Father, thank You for calling me Your child.
Thursday – Don’t Be Afraid (Luke 8:50)
Read: Luke 8:49–50
Reflection: Jairus faced the worst news, but Jesus called him to faith over fear. What fears do you need to place in Jesus’ hands?
Prayer: Jesus, help me to believe You when my heart trembles with fear.
Friday – Life in His Hands (Luke 8:54–55)
Read: Luke 8:51–55
Reflection: Jesus touched the girl’s hand and restored her life. How does this strengthen your confidence in His power over death?
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are stronger than death itself.
Saturday – Resurrection Hope (Luke 8:56)
Read: Luke 8:56; 1 Corinthians 15:54–57
Reflection: The raising of Jairus’s daughter points to the greater resurrection we share in Christ. How does this eternal hope shape the way you face trials now?
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for the victory of resurrection life.
3. Daily Devotions for Children (with Activities)
Monday – A Dad Who Asked for Help
Read: Luke 8:41–42
Big Idea: Even important people need Jesus.
Activity: Draw a picture of Jairus asking Jesus for help. Write “I can ask Jesus too” on your paper.
Tuesday – Just One Touch
Read: Luke 8:43–44
Big Idea: The woman believed Jesus could heal her with just a touch.
Activity: Put a bandage on your hand and write “Jesus Heals” on it. Wear it as a reminder today.
Wednesday – Jesus Calls Us His Children
Read: Luke 8:48
Big Idea: Jesus called the woman “Daughter.” He calls us His children too!
Activity: Make a name tag that says, “Child of God” and wear it around the house.
Thursday – Don’t Be Afraid
Read: Luke 8:50
Big Idea: Jesus told Jairus not to be afraid.
Activity: Draw two pictures — one of a scary face and one of a happy face. Write “Trust Jesus” under the happy face.
Friday – Jesus Brings Life
Read: Luke 8:54–55
Big Idea: Jesus gave Jairus’s daughter life again.
Activity: Plant a seed in soil. Watch how God brings life from something small.
Saturday – Jesus Gives Us Forever Life
Read: Luke 8:56; John 11:25
Big Idea: Jesus gives us life that lasts forever.
Activity: Blow up a balloon and write “Forever” on it. As long as it floats, remember Jesus gives eternal life.
4. Daily Devotions for Youth
Monday – Desperation and Pride
Read: Luke 8:41–42
Think: Why is it hard to admit we’re desperate? What keeps you from asking Jesus for help?
Pray: Lord, help me to bring my needs honestly to You.
Tuesday – Faith That Pushes Through
Read: Luke 8:43–44
Think: What “crowds” get in your way of seeking Jesus — distractions, doubt, peer pressure?
Pray: Jesus, help me press through the noise to reach You.
Wednesday – A New Identity
Read: Luke 8:48
Think: Jesus gave the woman a new name — “Daughter.” What names or labels has He replaced in your life?
Pray: Father, remind me that I belong to You.
Thursday – Faith in the Face of Fear
Read: Luke 8:49–50
Think: Has there been a moment when you thought God was too late? How did you respond?
Pray: Lord, help me to trust Your timing even when I don’t understand.
Friday – Power Over Death
Read: Luke 8:54–55
Think: Jesus raised Jairus’s daughter. How does this affect the way you view your own future?
Pray: Jesus, I believe You hold the keys of life and death.
Saturday – Living Resurrection Hope
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:54–57
Think: If death has lost its sting, how should that change the way you live boldly for Christ?
Pray: Thank You, Jesus, that nothing can separate me from Your life.