A fun fact about me is that once I’ve read something, I don’t like to re-read it. I already know what’s going to happen, so why would I take the time to read it again when there are so many other books out there calling my name?
So the whole concept of reading the Bible continually until Jesus calls me home in some way, shape, or form… sometimes makes my eye twitch a little.
A fun fact about the Holy Spirit is that He does not care. Sometimes He’ll have you read a passage you’ve already read dozens of times, heard a handful of sermons about, AND seen a full episode of The Chosen depicting it… and then He’ll shine a brand-new light on it like, “Surprise, shawty!”
You will be humbled.
You will repent.
You will realize that much like Jon Snow, you know nothing.
That’s my current situation with Luke 8… specifically verses 40–56… super specifically verses 53–55.
Pause here if you want to read it yourself.
Someone out there just promised themselves they’ll go read it later… fully knowing they will absolutely forget. If that’s you, don’t worry. You’ll remember this promise right as you’re falling asleep tonight. Or in a week while doing the dishes. You are my brand of people, so allow me to give you some context instead.
Luke 8: The SparkNotes Edition
The first 39 verses include a shoutout to the ladies, some parables, and a bit of Jesus snark. They’re great, but the ole lack of an attention span can only be pushed so far in a day.
So let’s plop down right in the middle of the chapter.
Jesus is trying to take a peaceful boat nap because surely the disciples can handle a little voyage across the lake. Some of them were legitimate fishermen. If there’s any task they should be able to handle without Jesus holding their hand it was this.
But no. They get all out of sorts because of a storm.
They go and wake Jesus up because apparently He’s a deep sleeper. He rebukes the storm and them. Honestly, if ever there was a time for Jesus to slip and commit a sin. This would’ve been it. Interrupting a nap is a top tier offense in my book.
Once they make it across the lake, He deals with some demons. RIP pig herd.
Does Heaven Have a Streaming Service?
I guess they got back on the boat (Did Jesus get to take a nap during boat trip 2.0? Inquiring minds want to know), because the text says that when they reach the other side of the lake, Jesus is welcomed by a big crowd. Including Jairus, who’s a synagogue leader. Jairus begs Jesus to come heal his only daughter, who is about twelve years old.
Jesus agrees, but on the way He gets sidetracked by the woman who had been bleeding for (wait for it) twelve years.
Does someone smarter than me know if there’s a connection here? I was today years old when I noticed both “twelve years” details. Clearly I have Sherlock Holmes level observation skills.
While Jesus is talking to the woman, Jairus gets word that his daughter has died.
Jesus could’ve peaced out at that point. But He’s Jesus, so instead He says, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed,” and continues on toward the house.
When they arrive, the place is packed with people “weeping and wailing.” In my brain, Jesus takes this moment to break the fourth wall like He’s on The Office and just stares into the camera that was for sure streaming up to heaven. Then He basically tells them to knock it off because she’s only sleeping.
Let’s also appreciate that He didn’t even mention being jealous that she got a nap while His own was ruined by twelve panicked dudes having a full-blown “panic at the disco” moment on the boat. Because He’s Jesus.
The Verses That Straight-Up Holy Humbled Me
Luke 8:53–55 (NLT)
53 But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died.
54 Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, “My child, get up!”
55 And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat
You might be wondering why these verses hit me so hard. They’re pretty straightforward, and this resurrection story usually gets overshadowed by Lazarus and his dramatic grave clothes moment.
But today, these verses were potent because my current life situation is similar to the daughter’s.
The Part of My Life That Flatlined This Year
This time last year, I had what looked like a thriving career in education. Leadership roles. District-wide recognition. Presented multiple times at a global education conference. Got swarmed by former students at athletic events like I was a Jonas Brother circa 2009.
But it turns out my career wasn’t as healthy as it appeared.
And in July… it “died.”
As dramatic as it sounds, it feels like a part of me died with it. I’ve battled depression and anxiety for months, trying to process the loss of something that felt so foundational to who I was.
Jesus is Coming… Hopefully with a Snack
I know there are people in my life who have taken on the role of Jairus, going to Jesus on my behalf and asking Him to come help me.
And there are others who resemble the messenger who told Jairus not to bother Jesus because the girl was already dead… or the crowd who mourned at the house. They’re looking at the facts, and their response makes sense:
My career is dead. There’s no reviving it.
But Jesus said:
“Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.”
He’s coming.
He might be working His way through a crowd. We humans are so needy.
He might be pausing to heal someone who’s been suffering for years.
But He’s coming.
People might laugh when He arrives with the intention of raising what’s dead. I hope they do. I love when Jesus does the impossible.
He’s not here yet, but I can’t wait for the moment He takes me by the hand and says:
“My child, get up.”
Can’t you just hear Him saying it in a tone that leaves no room for argument? And if you even dared to take a breath to say something, He’d interrupt you with a “Did I stutter?” comment.
Which brings us to verse 55:
“At that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.”
I know there’s no guarantee that I’ll instantly shake off all the depression and anxiety when Jesus shows up and does His thing. Maybe I will. Maybe it’ll be gradual.
But at the very least, He’ll help me stand again.
I just hope He has someone nearby with a snack, because I will absolutely be peckish.
Before You Get Holy Humbled Too…
How cool is it that the Holy Spirit can shed new light on verses we’ve read dozens of times? And that He can speak encouragement through words written thousands of years ago?
If you’re like me and sometimes get an eye twitch thinking about reading the Bible until the end of time… do yourself a favor and humble yourself now.
Otherwise, you’ll end up holy humbled like I was.
Chaotically Devoted 