This year, we will be sticking to Luke 8. You are welcome to delve into this portion of scripture on your own. There are some amazing threads and themes… We will specifically look at the women mentioned here.

“Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod’s household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means. Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭3.

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him, but they were unable to reach Him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see You.” But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and carry it out.” Luke 8:19‬-‭21

When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him. Just then a synagogue leader named Jairus came and fell at Jesus’ feet. He begged Him to come to his house, because his only daughter, who was about twelve, was dying. As Jesus went with him, the crowds pressed around Him, including a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on physicians, but no one was able to heal her. She came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. “Who touched Me?” Jesus asked. But they all denied it. “Master,” said Peter, “the people are crowding and pressing against You.” But Jesus declared, “Someone touched Me, for I know that power has gone out from Me.” Then the woman, seeing that she could not escape notice, came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she had immediately been healed. “Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:42-48

While He was still speaking, someone arrived from the house of the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he told Jairus. “Do not bother the Teacher anymore.” But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” When He entered the house, He did not allow anyone to go in with Him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, everyone was weeping and mourning for her. But Jesus said, “Stop weeping; she is not dead but asleep.” And they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead. But Jesus took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she got up. And He directed that she be given something to eat. Her parents were astounded, but Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.” ‭‭Luke‬ 8:‭49‬-‭56‬ ‭BSB‬‬.

Past event topics

Women of the Bible

Job’s Wife – We don’t know much about her, but what we do know is that she told Job to blame God. Lesson: Job’s wife was a blame-shifter. But Job was a burden-shifter. Do we blame God and others for our circumstances or do we give our burdens to God instead?

Sarah – From princess to pilgrim. From castle to camping. The impact of our lives is not measured by worldly success but by God.

Esther – Born for such a time as this. Our continual “Yes!” to God is our ultimate purpose.

The woman at the well – God went out of His way to save a woman stuck in hers.

Hannah – God is not scared of our ugly cry. Her prayers turned to praise. Keep on praying.

The woman with the jar of perfume – She was willing to give Jesus everything because she understood what Jesus did for her. Forgiven much – love much.

Rahab – In Christ, our past does not define our future.

Mary – She said yes to the adventure, even though it was not easy. But God is more interested in our character than our convenience. He will stretch us to grow us. And when we look back, we will always rejoice and say, “It was worth it!”. Saying YES to Jesus is the best decision you will ever make—not the easiest, but the best by far!

Lydia: “Salvation changes your worldview”—Belinda Lennox. Lydia was known for her hospitality. Hospitality is a gift that we all have to give. We can easily disqualify ourselves when we compare what we have with what we see on social media. It is not about providing the best but giving with kindness and love. It is not about providing the most expensive and en vogue but to be wise in living within our means and finding creative ways to utilise this gift. God says that even a cup of water given to someone will be rewarded!