Here we look at Jesus’ heart of compassion for people as seen in two separate passages related to four different people from Luke 8 and 9.
SERMON OUTLINE
“When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her.” (Luke 7:13)
Compassion that Stops (Luke 8:40-48)
- Unclean
- Touching Jesus
- Trembling turned to peace
Compassion that Goes (Luke 8:40-42, 49-56)
- Broken
- Pursuing and welcoming Jesus
- Grieving turned to joy
Compassion that Comes Down (Luke 9:37-43)
- Troubled
- Asking and approaching Jesus
- Unbelief overcome with deliverance
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When did you experience compassion from someone directly or observe it in someone else?
- We continue the series “Jesus on the Move” by looking at three stories from Luke 8 and 9. Before you begin this study, ask God to speak to you from His Word. Then, whether you are alone or with a group, read Luke 8:40-56 and 9:37-43 aloud.
- In these three stories, Jesus encounters three different types of people and situations. Take a moment to compare and contrast the three different groups of people he is spending time with: who are they?; what is their predicament?; why do they seek out Jesus?; what else do you notice?
- Jesus’ first encounter is interrupted by the second encounter with a woman suffering from a bleeding problem (8:43-48). What do you find most surprising about this story? What do you notice most about how Jesus responds to this woman and her difficulties?
- The delay with this woman apparently keeps Jesus from reaching his destination in Jairus’ daughter (8:49). What does Jesus do in response to this news? What is different about Jesus from everyone else here?
- Have you ever had a time when you felt afraid to approach Jesus like the woman or like Jesus didn’t show up on time as with Jairus’ daughter? What happened?
- The third story takes place immediately after the transfiguration, where Jesus’ glory is revealed. What is notable about Jesus’ response to this situation in contrast with His disciples’ response?
- What is one thing that God is speaking to you personally through this study? If you’re on your own, take some time to write it down and share it with someone later. If you are with a small group, share it with one another.