Fourth Sunday of Lent

Week 4: Courage

Suggested Scripture reading: Mark 5: 21-43

Lesson/Devotional:

This story is about two people who really needed Jesus and believed that He was the only one that could help them. Jairus is the first person we read about who had a 12-year-old daughter who was very sick and dying. Again, he came to Jesus because he knew that Jesus was the only person who could help him.

This is something that we should remember because when we are feeling like we have no one else to talk to or no one to help us we can always turn and pray. God is always listening!

Back to the story, Jesus follows Jairus to his home and while walking a huge crowd is following them. A woman in the crowd who has been sick for a long time reaches out to touch Jesus’s robe because she believes that if she touches him she will be healed. Jesus feels the power leave him to heal the woman and asks “who touched me?”

The woman, even though she was afraid, admits to Jesus that it was her who touched him because she believed that He would heal her! Jesus admires the woman and her faith(belief). Now today we can’t reach out and touch Jesus like the woman did, but we can get close to Jesus by spending time alone with Him in prayer and reading His Word.  We can feel His presence when we are alone quietly with Him. 

If we are feeling sad or scared but are too embarrassed to share that with anyone, by getting close to Jesus and sharing those feelings with Him, we will feel His comfort and encouragement to us. Now let’s not forget about the rest of the story. Just then someone from Jairus’ house came and spoke to him and said  “Your daughter is dead, why bother the teacher anymore?” (Mark 5:35).

That phrase, ‘why bother’ makes us think about how sometimes in our lives if we need something from someone, we may be afraid to ask because we think we are bothering them.  Do you think when we have a need, no matter how big or small we are ever bothering God? The answer is no. You can always have the courage to go to God! “Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36)

In the end Jesus heals Jairus’s daughter and it is a miracle! We can learn so much from Jairus and the sick woman. They both had courage and faith to follow Jesus even when others were doubting Him. 

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for always being there for me. Even when I’m scared and feeling alone, You are there to comfort me! Help me to have courage and remember You and your Son Jesus and the strength You give me. Amen.  

Suggested Family Activities

Below you will find a list of activities to complete throughout the week. Pick and choose which activities you’d like to do or try them all! If you’d like to print out the list click on the pdf to download and you can cut them out to make a paper chain as you complete each activity! Feel free to share any pictures of your family completing these activities on our CYF Facebook Page 

• Sometimes praying out loud can feel awkward. Practice praying out loud with your family (or maybe just mom or dad). See attached prayer activities for ideas!
• Write down 20 things you are thankful for
• Take a walk (or look out the window if it’s too cold) and admire the beauty of God’s creation. Maybe even draw a picture of it! 
• Give up complaining for a whole day- Buy a few extra groceries this week and donate them somewhere (food pantry, soup kitchen, women’s shelter, etc.)
• Pray for your pastor 

Don’t forget to add a rock to your Lent Place and pray this week for courage and to spread the news of Jesus!