Sunday School Lesson February 4, 2024

Subject: Expectant Faith

The Point:  Faith maintains trust in God to do what no one else can do.

Scriptures: Luke 8:41-42, 49-56

Study The Bible: Luke 8:41-42

1). Trust Jesus with your needs.

41. Just then, a man named Jairus came. He was a leader of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus’s feet and pleaded with him to come to his house,
42. because he had an only daughter about twelve years old, and she was dying. While he was going, the crowds were nearly crushing him.

Lasting truths from: Luke 8:41-42

* Jesus cares for all people, but that does not mean He overlooks any one person.

* No matter our station in life, we are not exempt from difficult or trying situations beyond what we are able to manage.

* In time of need, come to Jesus.

2). Trust Jesus when things go awry.

Luke 8:49-53

49. While he was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”
50. Whey Jesus heard it, he answered him, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe, and she will be saved.”
51. After he came to the house, he let no one enter with him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s father and mother.
52. Everyone was crying and mourning for her. But he said, “Stop crying, because she is not dead but asleep.”
53. They laughed at him, because they knew she was dead.

Lasting truths from: Luke 8:49-53

*  Death and grief are part of life.

* Hope in Jesus helps us to deal with and overcome grief and doubt.

* Jesus has the power to save, to make us whole.

* Skeptics abound: nevertheless, Jesus’s word is true, and hope is sure to those who live with expectant faith.

3). Trust Jesus to provide.

Luke 8:54-56

54. So he took her by the hand and called out, “Child get up!”
55. He spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he gave orders that she be given something to eat.
56. Her parents were astounded, but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

Lasting truths from:  Luke 8:54-56

* Jesus is the Master of life, the Lord, even over death.

* We can trust Jesus to provide what we need.

* We stand in awe of the mighty works of Jesus in our lives.

1. Faith maintains trust in God to do what no one else can do.
2. In what life circumstance have you been, or could you be, encouraged by the words of Jesus, “Fear not: believe only”?
3. Would you describe your faith as intellectual faith (a mental concept only), a tentative faith (it might work sometimes), or an expectant faith (trust that the Lord will meet needs in the best way)?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”

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