Based on the sermon, here is a Bible study discussion guide.
Bible ReadingMark 5:21-24, 35-43 (ESV)> 21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 And he went with him...
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> 35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Proverbs 24:16 (ESV)> for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
Luke 18:27 (ESV)> But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Observation questions- In the story from Mark 5, what were the two different reports Jairus received about his daughter, and who delivered each one?
- What was Jesus's immediate response to the negative report that the girl had died? [01:26:05]
- According to the message, what are the two things a believer is caused to do when placed in a difficult situation? [01:13:00]
- What does the proverb tell us about the difference between how the righteous and the wicked respond to falling down?
Interpretation questions- Why is it significant that Jesus called the girl's state "sleep" instead of "death," and how does that change the way we view situations that appear final? [01:29:03]
- The message emphasized that "your expectation breeds his performance." What does this mean about the relationship between our faith and God's action in seemingly impossible circumstances? [01:27:43]
- The woman with the issue of blood had many methods that never fixed her problem. What does this story reveal about the difference between human effort and divine encounter? [01:21:57]
- How can a "fall" or a failure actually prepare the way for a divine restart, rather than serve as a terminal judgment? [01:14:37]
Application questions- What is an area of your life—a dream, a relationship, your health, or a ministry—that you or others have been tempted to "count out" as finished? What would it look like this week to actively refuse that narrative and speak "arise" to it in prayer?
- When a negative report or a "hope killer" comes, what is your typical first response? [01:23:32] What is one practical way you can guard your spirit from confusion and choose to hold onto clarity this week?
- Are you relying on a "method" (a specific strategy, person, or plan) to solve a chronic problem, instead of seeking a fresh encounter with Christ? [01:21:57] What would it look like to shift your focus from the method to the Problem Solver?
- The message declared that "your tragedy was on time but your victory is already on schedule." [01:31:43] How does this perspective change how you are walking through a current season of waiting or loss?
- Who in your life needs you to "pour new life back into them" through prayer, like the prophet did for the Shunammite woman's son? [01:48:55] How can you intentionally encourage and pray for that person this week?
- Worship and praise were presented as practical weapons that shift the atmosphere and reposition us. [01:13:00] In the face of a specific worry or fear, what is one song of praise you can choose to play or sing to actively combat doubt?