“An Unfailing Undercurrent of Joy” (Mark 2:18-22)
AN UNFAILING UNDERCURRENT OF JOY
(Mark 2:18-22)
INTRODUCTION: Are Christians supposed to be smiling all the time?
I. WE MUST REJOICE IN JESUS.
II. WE MUST RESPOND TO LIFE’S VAGARIES.
III. WE MUST REST IN HOPE.
Questions for Family Review/Discussion:
- One a scale of one to ten (ten highest) who joyful are you generally? Why?
- What do you know about fasting? Ever tried it? What is its purpose? Do you think Christians should practice fasting today? Why or why not?
- What reason did Jesus give for his disciples NOT fasting? What did Jesus mean when he said that the day would come when the bridegroom (he) is taken away?
- How has Jesus’ coming changed everything? What is the unfailing source of the believer’s joy?
- How is the Christian to cope with the vagaries, the many hardships and heartaches of life? What is the place of joy in times of distress or sorrow?
6. Explain: Salvation does not make us less human, but more human. - Why is it true that believers will feel even greater loss when a loved one dies than unbelievers ever could?
- What does the phrase “the bottom line” mean? So what is the bottom line for the Christian?
- What is the secret source of the believer’s hope?
- What do you find most hopeful about this story in Mark’s gospel?