SERMON | Make Us Well

B-Sides
Scripture: Luke 8:42b-48

As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. 43 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians,[a] no one could cure her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. 45 Then Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter[b] said, “Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.” 47 When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

Questions

What?

1) How’s everyone doing? Check in with the group.

2) 12 years is a long time. What types of things have you done for 12 years? 

So What?

3) Despite all her reasons not to, the woman decided to touch Jesus’ cloak. Can you think of any reasons why she shouldn’t have? What do you think her internal dialogue was like immediately before she reached out for Jesus?

Now What?

4) Dawn talks about how Jesus’ grace is free, but it encourages a response from us. How do you feel called to respond to the gift of grace? Is this something you have ever considered?

5) Physical touch is a complex issue. When wanted, it can be so positive for our wellbeing. We need hugs from friends. However, when not wanted, it causes deep emotional, spiritual, and physical pain. Talk with your group or someone else about the importance of boundaries in our shared lives as followers of Jesus. 

6) The woman reached out. What does this look like in your life?

Prayer
God you saw the woman. When no one else wanted to see her, to acknowledge her pain, to heal her, you did. Empower us to be like the woman: to be bold and determined. Empower us to be like you: to heal and love even when it the world tells us not to. Amen.

“It happens quietly, but when it does, it requires a great deal of us.

When we receive God’s grace, we must make changes in response..”

—Rev. Dawn Hyde