The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

From the Mountain Top to the Valley

Tom Graves

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July 12, 2026

 From the mountain top to the valley is what Peter, James, and John experienced after seeing Jesus’ transfiguration. In life, we definitely prefer mountaintop experiences over valleys — the air is fresh, the sun is bright, and the view is stunning. But the truth is, we will go through valleys. It’s unavoidable. On the mountain, the inner group of disciples experienced Jesus in a new way and saw Elijah and Moses speak to the Lord.

 Unfortunately, valleys often follow mountaintop experiences. You’ve probably realized that valleys can’t be planned or scheduled. Who hasn’t experienced an untimely valley in life? However, remember that valleys are temporary and will end. They serve a purpose, as God never wastes our suffering or a difficult circumstance. Jesus had warned the disciples. Mark 8:34If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.[1]

Valleys May Be Opportunities

 Valleys represent temporary seasons of trial, grief, or testing, yet they are not places of defeat but preparation. They are times where God works deeply in our lives. The last thing on the minds of Peter, James, and John was a spiritual battle. In Mark 9:14–17, Jesus and the three disciples returned to an argument between the scribes and the other disciples.

Jesus inquired about the cause of the dispute. Mark 9: 17 One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. 18 And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” [2]

 In this unexpected valley, Peter, James, John, and the other disciples learned what it takes to bring deliverance and wholeness to this young man. At first, the situation may have seemed overwhelming and discouraging. But Jesus would soon turn this failure into an opportunity for teaching, turning a negative into a positive. He can do the same for us. All we need to do is ask, “Lord, what are you teaching me through this, and what would you like me to do?”

Valleys Build Character

 Valleys are an inevitable part of life because we live in a fallen world with a sinful culture. Nothing can prevent their occurrence. Valleys exist in all areas—business, careers, marriages, and pastoral ministry. Every promise from God includes a season of valleys that we must endure. How we navigate these valleys influences the next mountaintop experience.

The key question isn’t how to avoid the valley, but who we walk with through the trial. God aims to prepare us for tough seasons, using them to strengthen us for our destiny. The disciples’ struggle to cast out the evil spirit became a teaching moment for Jesus to impact their lives and the boy, who was delivered and made whole.

To learn more about the journey from the mountain top to the valley, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-through-deliverance

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Jesus Encounters Us During Times of Temptation

Tom Graves

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July 11, 2026

     Jesus encounters us during times of temptation, awakening us to the danger we face and drawing us back to Him. We have the free will to stay on the wrong path or listen to the voice of the good shepherd.

In John 8:6–11, the scribes and Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by using the woman caught in adultery as a test. The atmosphere is tense with accusations, manipulation, and hidden motives. Yet Jesus responded with wisdom and calm authority, exposing not only their true intentions but also addressing the deeper issue of the heart. One by one, they left feeling convicted.

This moment reminds us that temptation begins in our minds, where thoughts form before actions follow. The accusers weren’t just testing Jesus on the surface; their prideful hearts were wrapped in self-righteousness. Jesus’ response shows us that He cares about more than just outward actions. He cares about inward transformation. When we face temptation, we’re not alone. He meets us in that moment, offering clarity, conviction, and a way out. In Him, we find both truth and grace. That is the foundation for becoming whole.

Guarding the Mind, Growing in Wholeness


     Jesus taught us to pray. Matthew 6:9 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.[1]  This is not a passive request but an active dependence on God. It acknowledges that we need His guidance to navigate the daily battles of the mind and heart.

Temptation often gains strength through our thoughts. Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.[2] If we allow unhealthy thoughts to linger, they can lead us away from God’s best. But when we fix our minds on what is good, we begin to experience His peace and transformation.

True wholeness begins with faith in Jesus as our Savior and grows as we align our thoughts with His truth. In addition, wholeness is not just about avoiding sin—it involves cultivating a life centered on Christ, starting in the mind.

Fleeing Temptation, Walking in Freedom


      When Jesus told the woman, “Go and sin no more.” [3] He was not setting an impossible standard—He is offering a new direction. Through His grace, she now has the opportunity to walk in freedom. One of the first steps in overcoming temptation is simple but powerful: to flee from it. In 2 Timothy 2:22, the Apostle Paul urges Timothy to flee youthful passions and to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is create distance from what pulls us away from God. 

Jesus concluded this passage with a powerful declaration: John 8:12“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” [4] This is the promise that anchors our hope. We’re not left to face temptation alone. Jesus invites us to follow the Light. Ultimately, wholeness is rooted in our faith in Jesus, who delivers, strengthens, and transforms us. He doesn’t just call us away from sin; He calls us into a life of freedom, purpose, and peace. To learn more about how Jesus encounters us during times of temptation, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-for-the-outcast

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Mt 6:13). (2025). Crossway Bibles.

[2-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Compassion of Jesus

Tom Graves

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July 10, 2026

The Compassion of Jesus is what every believer experiences along our spiritual journey as the Lord guides and often intervenes in our lives. In John 8:1–8, Jesus returned to the Temple where a crowd gathered to hear Him teach. The religious leaders interrupted by bringing a woman caught in adultery and placing her before Him.

They reminded Jesus that the Law of Moses commands such a woman to be stoned. They think no matter how He answers, they have Him trapped. Instead of answering immediately, Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground. When they continued pressing Him, He responded, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then He stooped down again and continued writing.[1]

One by one, the accusers leave, leaving only the woman. Then Jesus spoke. John 8:10 Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” [2]

Jesus Meets Us Where We Are

In this sacred moment, we see compassion on full display. Jesus does not ignore her sin, but He also does not crush her beneath it. Instead, He meets her exactly where she is—with truth wrapped in mercy.

This is the heart of God revealed. 2 Corinthians 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.[3] Jesus extended that very compassion to the woman and extends it to us. He sees our failures, our wounds, and our hidden struggles, yet He responds with grace that invites restoration rather than rejection. To be made whole begins with encountering this compassion. The kindness of Jesus meets us to transform us.

Wholeness Begins with Trusting His Heart


     As the woman stands before Jesus, everything changes—not because of what she has done, but because of who He is. His words lifted the weight of condemnation and opened the door to a new life. This is where true wholeness begins: with faith in Jesus as our Savior. Romans 2:4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? [4]

 Jesus’ compassion is not permissive; it is transformative. His mercy awakens something within us— a desire to turn, be renewed, and live differently. When we trust Him, we enter a process of healing that touches every part of our lives. Wholeness isn’t instant perfection; it’s a sincere, ongoing transformation rooted in faith. Jesus doesn’t just forgive us, He begins to remake us.

Becoming What We Have Received
    

There is an important question this passage leaves with us: Do we have a desire to be compassionate? The same compassion Jesus extends to us is the compassion He calls us to extend to others. As we are made whole, our hearts begin to reflect His.

 With Jesus’ help, we can grow to be just like He is to us—patient, kind, and full of mercy. This doesn’t come naturally; it flows from a life transformed by His grace. When we remember how He has met us in our brokenness, it becomes easier to meet others in theirs.

The woman in this story walked away not only forgiven but invited into a new way of living. She has encountered the compassion of Christ, and that encounter changes everything. In the same way, His grace invites us to step into His light, to receive His healing, and to reflect His heart. To learn more about the compassion of Jesus, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-for-the-outcast

[1] Summary of John 8:1-8 from the Holy Bible

[2-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 8:10–11). Tyndale House Publishers.

Grace That Meets Us in Brokenness

Tom Graves

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July 9, 2026

     Grace that meets us in our brokenness is a gift that our Savior extends to us in His mercy and compassion. Jewish leadership brought the woman caught in adultery before Jesus, her sin exposed and her fate seemingly sealed.

John 8:6 They (religious leaders) were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.[1]

In this moment, Jesus extended grace before the woman even asked for it. He met her in her brokenness, not with condemnation, but with compassion. This is the same hand of grace He extends to us. We, too, stand exposed before God—not always publicly, but fully known by Him. Yet instead of rejection, Jesus offers mercy and grace.

To be made whole starts here: recognizing that we are recipients of undeserved grace. Wholeness is not only for heroes of the Bible but for those willing to accept what only Jesus can offer.

Wholeness Begins with Faith in Jesus

 As the crowd disappeared, Jesus is left alone with the woman. John 8:10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. [2] In this quiet exchange, we see the beginning of transformation. She stood before the only one who had the right to condemn her, and instead, He offered her grace.

True wholeness starts with faith in Jesus as our Savior. When we place our faith in Jesus, we step into a new reality where grace defines us more than our past ever could. Jesus does not simply cover our brokenness—He begins to restore every part of us. His grace is not partial; it is complete.

Walking in the Light of His Grace

The same light that shone on this woman now shines on us. In her moment of exposure, Jesus did not leave her in darkness. Instead, He offered her a way forward—a life no longer defined by sin, but by grace.

We face the same choice: to step into the light or stay in the dark. The light of Christ exposes the truth and also offers healing. It calls us to live openly before God, no longer hiding in shame but walking in freedom. True wholeness is ultimately based on our faith in Jesus as our Savior. It is through Him—His life, His sacrifice, and His victory—that we become new. The grace He showed to that woman is not just a one-time act; it reflects the ongoing attitude of His heart toward us.

So when we face our failures, we don’t have to run or hide. Instead, we can step into the light, take hold of His outstretched hand, and accept the grace that makes us whole. To learn more about grace that meets us in our brokenness, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-for-the-outcast

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Restored Not Rejected

Tom Graves

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July 8, 2026

To be restored, not rejected, is the Lord’s desire for all of us, even in the midst of our worst failures in life. In John 8:4–9, the Jewish leadership dragged the woman caught in adultery into the public eye. They exposed her failure for all to see. The weight of shame, guilt, and condemnation surrounded her. It is a moment many of us understand more than we’d like to admit. While our sins may not be displayed so publicly, we know what it feels like to be confronted by our own failures. The accusers in the story are quick to define her by her worst moment, thus, reducing her identity to her sin.

 This is often how we treat ourselves. We rehearse our mistakes, label ourselves by our shortcomings, and assume that failure is final. But Jesus interrupts this narrative. John 8:7All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone! [1] Suddenly, the crowd disperses, and the power of condemnation begins to crumble.

 Hope begins here: in the realization that failure does not have the final word. Jesus does not deny the reality of sin, but He refuses to let it be the defining truth about us. In Him, even our most broken moments become places where grace can enter if we humble ourselves and turn to Him.

The Path to True Wholeness
 Wholeness in Jesus is not simply the absence of sin or failure—it is the presence of a restored relationship with God. True wholeness starts with faith in Jesus as our Savior. It is not something we can earn, but something we receive by trusting in Him.

 When Jesus stood before the woman, He offered more than just relief from her accusers; He offered restoration. This restoration is all-encompassing. Genuine healing goes beyond the physical and reaches into the deepest parts of who we are. To be made whole is to come to Jesus in faith, but growing in faith is an ongoing process.

Hope Rooted in the Cross and Resurrection

The hope in this passage ultimately points us to the cross. Jesus’ authority to forgive and restore is rooted in what He accomplished through His death and resurrection. At the cross, He took on the condemnation we deserve. In His resurrection, He proclaimed victory over sin and death, opening the way to new life.

Jesus is like a great sculptor who uses the chisel of failure to shape us. During times of failure, I learn to rely less on my understanding and more on God. Failures often force us to examine how much we trust in God, for we find genuine hope there. The culture may tell us to depend only on ourselves, but we realize we need the Lord’s help when failure occurs. We need His Light to shine in the darkness of our setbacks. Jesus does not define us by our worst moment. He invites us into a life made whole by His grace.

To learn more about  being restored not rejected, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-for-the-outcast

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 8:7). Tyndale House Publishers.

Forgiveness Releases the Burden of Sin

Tom Graves

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July 7, 2026

When Jesus refused to condemn the woman caught in adultery, forgiveness releases the burden of sin. The Pharisees tested Jesus and suggested that she be stoned. John 8:7 They kept demanding an answer, so he (Jesus) stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”[1]

All the Pharisees realized they were sinners and left. The truth is that Jesus is the only one who has never sinned. He was the only one qualified to throw a stone. John 8:10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”[2]

Was Jesus Ignoring Her Sin?

Some look at this story and misinterpret Jesus to be “easy on sin.” But for Jesus to forgive her meant that in the near future, He would pay for this sin on the cross. Jesus gives us forgiveness as a gift, but it cost Jesus everything.

Jesus did not condone the woman’s sin but commanded her to go and sin no more. She was to change her lifestyle. The woman doesn’t have to continue carrying the burden of sin and has hope for a new life.

Confession and repentance change our hearts so that we can receive Jesus’ gracious gift of forgiveness. As Jesus takes our burden of sin, we should respond with a desire to live for God rather than for ourselves. As much as possible, we want to stop routine wrongdoing. Yes, as long as we live on this earth, we will sin. But with God’s help, we can change our lifestyle.

Confronting Sin

Before we can receive forgiveness, we must admit our need. If we don’t think we have sinned, there is no reason for forgiveness. The Jewish leadership made a pretense of upholding the letter of the law before Jesus. Yet, by applying the law to the woman and not themselves, they missed their own sin. Jesus wisely required that only a sinless person could throw the first stone. This exposed the accusers’ hearts.

The older men seemed to be more aware of their sins and left first. Age and experience seemed to have moderated their self-righteousness. Each of us, no matter how old or young, must examine ourselves regularly. We all have a sinful nature and need forgiveness and continuing transformation. None of us would have been able to throw the first stone. As sinners, we have two choices. We can lay our burden of sin at Jesus’ feet or keep carrying it.

The Lord’s forgiveness is a fantastic gift. We no longer have to carry the burden of sin weighing us down. Are you weighed down with sin today? God promises that we receive His forgiveness when we confess our sins. Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.[3]

To learn how forgiveness releases the burden of sin, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-for-the-outcast

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Shame of an Outcast

Paula K. Graves

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July 6, 2026

The woman caught in adultery in John 8 experienced the shame of an outcast. Society refuses to accept an outcast and tosses them aside. Merriam-Webster defines shame as a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcomings, or impropriety.[1] Guilt results from knowing we have done something wrong, but shame tells us we are wrong. Social outcasts assume they are unworthy because that is what culture tells them repeatedly.

When shamed, we feel unworthy and struggle to accept forgiveness. Andrew Comiskey describes shame like this: “Shame is the raincoat of the soul, repelling the living water that would otherwise establish us as the beloved of God. It prevents us from receiving grace and truth where we need them most.”[2]

Shamed in the Temple

God had given His people the Temple so they could receive forgiveness through the sacrifices. It was to be a holy place for the people to worship God. Instead, the Jewish leaders brought the woman caught in adultery to the Temple to become a spectacle. She had disobeyed the law of Moses, and the leadership exhibited her before the crowds at the Temple. Not only was her sin publicly exposed, but most likely, she would have been almost naked. Amid this shameful experience, Jesus intervened, causing her accusers to leave. He then forgave her.

As we consider our story today, how can we experience hope when we face shame? God’s Word shows us how to respond positively when we are experiencing shame. It gives us hope! Everyone, including believers in Jesus, has made mistakes we regret. The enemy likes to make us believe that God will not forgive us and does not care. Those are lies by the enemy. No one loves you more than Jesus. Remember, Jesus loved you so much He took ALL of your sins on Himself on the cross. That is love in action!

What Can I Do in My Shame?

Confession and repentance are the beginning of countering shame. 1 John 1:9But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.[3] Confess whatever is making you feel shame, guilt, and regret. Let the Lord wash you! Even in the Old Testament, people knew that God forgave sins. Micah 7:19 Once again you (God) will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! [4]

Now we have the promise of Jesus and His forgiveness. Ephesians 1: 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes…. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.[5] When forgiven, Jesus frees us from the sins that have entangled us. This forgiveness rids the shame of an outcast and makes one whole. To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-for-the-outcast

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shame   Accessed on July 20, 2020

[2] Grace for Shame, Robert Walter, https://ongodstrail.kartra.com/portal/y0BzDEgnCbrK/post/31, accessed July 22, 2020.

[3-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

Men Caught in Hypocrisy

Paula K. Graves

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July 5, 2026

This week’s story is often titled “A Woman Caught in Adultery.” But it could have just as well been titled “Men Caught in Hypocrisy.” One cannot commit adultery alone; it takes two.

John 7: 53 Then the meeting broke up, and everybody went home. 8:1 Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.

4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” [1]

A Plan to Entrap

The Jewish leadership wanted to rid themselves of Jesus, whom they considered a heretic. They had just sent the Temple Guard to arrest Jesus. Instead of arresting Him, the guards were enthralled with His teaching. The disgusted leadership took matters into their own hands and devised a plan to entrap Jesus.

Their plan entailed catching a woman in the act of adultery. Now, it would be difficult to catch one in the very act. Was the man part of the scheme? Scripture doesn’t say, but the fact that the man went free does seem suspicious.

They thought they had a foolproof trap. If Jesus said the woman should not be stoned, He would violate the Law of Moses. If He said to stone her, they could turn Jesus over to the Romans. It was illegal for Jews to carry out an execution.

Trapped by Their Own Trap

While stoning was rare during Jesus’ time, it was a legal penalty per the Law of Moses. Jewish law required that both the man and woman caught in adultery to be stoned, (Lev. 20:10, Deut. 22:22). The Jewish leadership shamed and threatened the woman while ignoring the man’s sin. She was just a pawn in their scheme to take down Jesus.

Jesus did not fall into the trap. Instead, He revealed their hypocrisy. They assumed moral superiority over the woman. However, we must remember that when we point a finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at us. Jesus forced them to admit their sin, and they left.

Jesus did not condone the woman’s sin, but told her to stop sinning. He did give her a fresh start and, in doing so, gave an outcast wholeness. At the same time, men caught in hypocrisy were exposed for who they were. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-for-the-outcast

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 7:53–8:5). Tyndale House Publishers.

Life Instead of Death

Paula K. Graves

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July 4, 2026

We have the promise of life instead of death through what Jesus has done for us. Sometimes, with all that is going on in the world, we don’t take time to thank the Lord for what He has done. Through His death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin, death, and the devil. He was victorious!

When we place our faith in Jesus as our Savior, we begin a new life. This is possible because Jesus has power over death. Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. [1]

Jesus Called Jairus’ Daughter to Life

Jairus’ daughter was seriously ill and close to death. So Jairus fell at Jesus’ feet to ask Him to come and heal her. Tragically, while Jesus was on his way to heal her, they received news that she had died. This did not surprise Jesus, and He told Jairus not to be afraid but to have faith. When they arrived at the home of Jairus, Jesus took Peter, James, and John and the parents into her room.

Mark 5:41 Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” 42 And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.[2] Jesus’ power over death was a foreshadowing of Jesus resurrection. As believers, we have the promise of eternal life after our earthly death.

What Happens After Death?

As you read this, you may be concerned about death. Death is not a pleasant topic to talk about, but there will come a time when all of us will die. The real question is: do you know Jesus as your Savior? When we have faith in Jesus as our Savior, we know He is always with us, especially when we pass from life to death. As a believer, your death will mark your first day in heaven, almost like being born. You will be going from one world into the next, which is your heavenly home.

How wonderful will heaven be? 2 Corinthians 2:9No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. [3] What a wonderful verse to meditate on! People have great imaginations, yet we can’t begin to fathom all that God has for us in eternity.

We Have a Home Waiting for Us

We read about the home the Lord is preparing for us.John 14: 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?[4]We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised it to all who place their faith in Him. We need not fear because we have hope for life instead of death.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-that-makes-us-well

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

A Touch That Brings Wholeness

Tom Graves

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July 3, 2026

A touch that brings wholeness and breaks barriers is part of Jesus’ story. Mark 5 41 Holding her hand, Jesus said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!”[1] The scene is powerful. Jairus’ daughter had died, and according to the customs and religious laws of the time, touching a dead body made a person ceremonially unclean. Most people would have kept their distance. Death was something to avoid, something that separated people and created fear.

Yet Jesus did the unthinkable—He reached out and touched her hand. This moment reveals the heart of Christ. Jesus was not afraid of what others considered untouchable. Instead of death making Him unclean, His holiness brought life to what was lifeless. With a simple touch and a gentle command, the little girl rose to her feet.

 Jesus consistently crossed barriers that others refused to cross. He touched the sick, spoke with the rejected, and welcomed those society pushed aside. His touch reminds us that no situation, no person, and no life is beyond His reach. What others may avoid, Jesus approaches with compassion and authority.

Faith That Leads to True Healing

The miracle in Jairus’ home began with faith. Jairus had come to Jesus believing that the Savior could help his daughter. Even when the news arrived that she had died, Jesus urged him not to fear but to continue believing. Faith is often the first step toward wholeness. When we bring our brokenness to Jesus, we open our lives to His transforming power. Yet the healing Jesus brings is never limited to the physical alone.

In this story, Jesus restored the girl’s body to life, but the deeper message points to something greater. Jesus restores people at every level of their being. He heals spiritual wounds by forgiving sin and reconciling us with God. He brings emotional healing by replacing fear with peace and despair with hope. And at times, He restores physical health according to His will and power.

The Cross: The Ultimate Healing Touch

While this miracle reveals Jesus’ power over death, it also points forward to the greatest act of healing in human history—His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the grave. At the cross, Jesus willingly entered into the deepest form of human brokenness. He took upon Himself our sin, our guilt, and the consequences of a fallen world. The One who touched the untouchable became the One who bore our suffering to restore us. Because of this victory, the healing He offers is not temporary but eternal.

The same Savior who took the little girl by the hand still reaches out to us today. As we go along our spiritual journey, we will meet people who are not accepted by the crowd for whatever reason. With God’s strength, we can touch the untouchable. We can cross the line, open the door, walk across the room, send a text, or write a note that touches them. As followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of being his hands, feet, and mouthpiece in the world. Who is the Holy Spirit putting on your heart to bring a loving touch to?

To learn more about the touch that brings wholeness, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-that-makes-us-well

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mk 5:41). Tyndale House Publishers.

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