#265 – MOURN WITH HOPE (15/1/21)

Today we end by briefly considering the difficult subject of how we are to deal with death. Jesus promises,

'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted’. (Matthew 5:4)

At some point, we will all suffer the death of our friends and family. Christians will mourn when someone they love dies. We are urged,

‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.’ (Romans 12:15).

Jesus mourned over the death of Lazarus even though he knew that he was going to raise him! We read,

‘When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ‘Where have you laid him?’ he asked. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’ (John 11:33-36)

However, we are to mourn with hope. Paul urges us,

‘Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.’ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

Mankind without Jesus are said to mourn in what way?

What does the Christian believe about Jesus and what does this promise to all who have died in Christ?

This promise is only for Christians, however, Jesus promises comfort to us even when we are not sure if the person we are grieving knew Jesus. Jesus promises to comfort us with His presence and healing. He will sustain us through all grief and bring us to a place of rest.

If you’d like to talk to anyone about grief you are going through please do talk to me or Christian leader whom you trust.

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN

Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Suggested opener/Ice-breaker

What are you 'mourning' - finding challenging - at the moment?

Introduction - please share in your group

This week in our discipleship series, we are considering the second of the Beatitudes,

'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted’. (Matthew 5:4)

Firstly, this is about salvation. Only those who mourn for their sin will come to Jesus for salvation and receive the comfort of justification, adoption and eternal hope.

Secondly, this is about mourning for our ongoing sin. It’s interesting to note that Jesus, when He taught us to pray, told us to ask, “Forgive us our debts”. Mourning over our sin toward God and others is to be part of our lifestyle. Those who mourn in this way will be comforted by Jesus' forgiveness and transformative power.

Thirdly, we are to mourn over sin in the world. As we see death, sickness, relationship breakdown, war... we are to mourn and intercede in prayer. Those who mourn in this way will be comforted as they see lives transformed by the love of God.

Finally, our comfort will only be fully realised at the end of history when Jesus comes and restores all things. Only when the Kingdom comes fully will we have the fullness of the comfort that Jesus promises.

Discussion questions

1. How does God comfort those who grieve for their sin?

2. What scripture would you use to back up your answer?

3. What do the parables in Luke 15 tell us about what the Father feels toward those who truly mourn for their sin?

3. How does mourning lead us to prayer, compassion and witnessing to our community?

4. What does Luke 9:36-38 say about our attitude and response to those who don't know Jesus?

5. Are you mourning for anything that you'd like to share and receive prayer for?

Investing and inviting

i) Who has God put into your life that we could pray for together?

ii) How are you planning to 'invest and invite'?

iii) Finally, Who are you planning to invite to our Alpha Course which is beginning on the 25th January?