Main Thought
Everyone gets desperate at some point. Sometimes, we get the positive results that we want. At other times, our desperation turns into disappointment. Some disappointments are mild. Some are heartbreaking, like the ultimate disappointment: death. God didn’t intend for disappointment and death to be routines in this world. They exist because of sin, which separates us from God. But we can’t give up on God! Jesus intervened by paying for sin on the Cross, thereby defusing the cause of disappointment and death. The resurrection of Christ on Easter proves that we can look forward to eternal life with God - one without sin, disappointment, or death. Until then, we can confidently follow Jesus and entrust our disappointments to Him along the way.
Main Passages
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.
- Mark 5:35-42
2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
- Mark 16:2-6
Discussion Questions
Are you currently facing anything that’s causing desperation or disappointment in your life? If so, would you call it mild, severe, or something in between?
Does disappointment cause you to run from God, or to run toward Him?
Do you believe that Jesus died on the Cross for our sins, and rose again three days later? How can eternal assurance affect the way we live on earth today?
Family Questions
Who is Jesus? What do you know about Him? What questions do you have about Him?