Big Idea | To be the best kind of friend means to be a Christlike friend

Luke 8:40-42 HCSB – When Jesus returned, the crowd welcome Him, for they were all expecting Him. Just then, a man named Jairus came. He was a leader of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus’ feet and pleaded with Him to come to his house, because he had an only daughter about 12 years old, and she was at death’s door. While He was going, the crowds were nearly crushing Him.

He is quick to respond

Luke 8:43-44 HCSB – While He was going…A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years, who had spent all she had on doctors yet could not be healed by any, approached from behind and touched the tassel of His robe. Instantly her bleeding stopped.

Luke 8:46-48 HCSB – ‘Who touched Me?’ Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the crowds are hemming You in and pressing against You.’ ‘Somebody did touch Me,’ said Jesus. ‘I know that power has gone out from Me.’ When the woman saw that she was discovered, she came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she declared the reason she had touched Him and how she was instantly cured. ‘Daughter,’ He said to her, your faith as made you well. Go in peace.’

That allows Himself to be interrupted

Ephesians 3:11, 12 HCSB – This is according to the purpose of the ages, which He (God) made in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness, access, and confidence through faith in Him.

Luke 8:49 HCSB – While He was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader’s house, saying, ‘Your daughter is dead. Don’t bother the Teacher anymore.’

Luke 8:50-53 HCSB – When Jesus heard it, He answered him, ‘Don’t be afraid. Only believe, and she will be made well.’ After He came to the house, He let no one enter with Him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s father and mother. Everyone was crying and mourning for her. But He said, ‘Stop crying, for she is not dead but asleep.’ They started laughing at Him, because they knew she was dead.

Jesus walks with people through their pain

Luke 8:53-56 HCSB – So He took her by the hand and called out, ‘Child, get up!’ Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then He gave orders that she be given something to eat. Her parents were astounded, but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

Because Jesus knows death isn’t final

Jesus…

…was quick to respond to those in need

…allowed Himself to be interrupted

…walked with people through their pain

…knows death isn’t final

Be quick to respond to those in need

2 Timothy 4:9, 21 HCSB – Make every effort to come to me soon. Make every effort to come before winter.

Allow yourself to be interrupted

Luke 10:36 HCSB – Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?

Walk with others through their pain

Galatians 6:2 HCSB – Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Jesus is the friend who…

Defeats death

John 10:10 HCSB – I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 HCSB – Death has been swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting? Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.