“Hope for the Hopeless” (Mark 5:21-34)

HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS

(Mark 5:21-34)

INTRODUCTION: What hope does Jesus offer?

I. WE MUST SEE OUR NEED FOR THIS HOPE.

II. WE MUST TAKE COMFORT IN THIS HOPE.

III. WE MUST LOOK TO THE AUTHOR OF THIS HOPE.

Questions for Family Review/Discussion:

1. Name some of the most difficult trials that people face.
2. Have you known of someone who lost a child? What was it like for them?
3. What several “hopeless situations” does Mark stack up in this section?
4. How aware, do you think, are people of the inevitability of their own deaths? What distractions do they tend to seek? What empty hopes do they grasp onto? Why do you think even Christians avoid this subject?
5. Why should we focus on the day AFTER our last day on earth? What difference do you think this will make in our day-to-day living?
6. Why might Mark have actually given this man’s name, Jairus?
7. How can we be sure that the girl had actually died and was not just “sleeping”?
8. What has happened to death now that Christ has risen? Why is this of supreme hope to the believer?
9. Our hope is not in a religion or philosophy. What is our hope in? Why do you think this distinction is important?
10. When God raised this little girl from the dead he was also thinking of you and your children. How is this possible? Why does this matter?
11. What comfort and practical help can you offer those with sick (or deceased) children?