More Connected. More Alone.

We live in a hyper-connected generation. We can connect with someone across the world in a matter of seconds, and yet people are feeling increasingly disconnected. Loneliness and isolation are at an all-time high. The more connected we become technologically, the more disconnected we become relationally. But in the midst of our disconnection, the Gospel has an answer. We often think of the Gospel in terms of forgiveness of sins or healing, but the Gospel also connects us to genuine community. We see this in one of Jesus’ own healings in the Gospel of Luke. Let’s discover how the Gospel is not only about the forgiveness of sins, but also an invitation into genuine community.

Luke 8:40-48

40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

Acts 4:32-37

They Had Everything in Common

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Galatians 3:27-29

They Had Everything in Common

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

John 13:34-35

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jeremiah 29:4-7

4 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Acts 2:42–47

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Reread Luke 8:40–48. What do you notice about the woman’s situation and the way she approaches Jesus?

2. Jesus could have allowed the woman to be healed without anyone knowing what happened. Why do you think Jesus stops and brings her out of the crowd? What does His response to her show you?

3. Reread Jesus’ words to the woman in Luke 8:48. What do you notice about the way Jesus speaks to her after she has been healed?

4. Read Acts 2:42–47. How does this description of the early Christian community shape the way you think about and live out Gospel community today?

For Families with Kids

1. Read Luke 8:40–48 together.

2. Have you ever felt left out on the playground, or felt like nobody was playing with you? How does your heart feel when you feel lonely?

3. Jesus stopped the whole crowd just to look at the woman, tell her she was loved, and heal her. How does it feel to know that even when you feel invisible or lonely, Jesus sees you and loves you?

4. Loneliness fades when people feel seen. As a family, pick one person this week who might be lonely (a neighbor living alone, a new kid at school, or an extended relative). Together, write them a card, bake them a treat, or call them just to let them know they are thought of and loved.