The Gospel of Matthew: A woman presses in and a little girl is raised to life.

Scripture References: Matthew 9:18-26

Intro: Good morning! In this sermon, we revisit Matthew 9, focusing on the intertwined stories of Jairus' daughter and the woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years. While part of a series demonstrating Jesus' kingdom authority, why did Matthew specifically choose these miracles? We explore how they reveal Jesus' heart, especially for women, on this day we honor mothers.

Key Points:

1. Miracles of Inclusion: Matthew highlights stories where Jesus reaches unexpected people (Roman soldiers, lepers, women). These aren't merely physical cures but acts of social inclusion. Jesus heals both the sickness and the isolation it brings, showing the Kingdom is for those society often marginalizes. We're surprised not just by what Jesus does, but who He does it for.
2. Jesus Esteems Women: This passage features a woman and a girl receiving Jesus' power. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently defied cultural norms to honor, protect, and teach women, making Him a safe refuge. This radical respect contributed to the early church attracting many women, valuing their lives in contrast to Roman culture.
3. Faith in Action: Jairus, a respected leader, publicly humbles himself, confessing faith in Jesus' power over death. The suffering woman, deemed unclean and isolated, acts in desperate faith, believing even touching His garment could heal her. Jesus commends their faith because faith points to and depends entirely on Him and His power.
4. Power Over Death: Jesus declares Jairus' dead daughter is merely "sleeping," redefining death in His presence. He touches her (an act forbidden by purity laws), and instead of being defiled, His life flows into her. This foreshadows His own resurrection and our ultimate hope – not avoiding death, but defeating it through Him.

Conclusion: The Jesus who performed these miracles is alive today. His power to heal, restore, and include hasn't diminished. As testimonies from our women's retreat showed, He continues to meet people in their need, offering courage, healing, and hope across generations.

Call to Action: As we approach the communion table, remember Jesus' sacrifice—His body broken and blood shed. Don't just be part of the crowd pressing in; reach out with personal faith to truly "touch" Him. Receive His life and healing. If you need prayer, people are ready to minister.

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The Gospel of Matthew: A woman presses in and a little girl is raised to life. (Matthew 9:15-26)
with Travis Aicklen