Message by Josh Mutter – October 13, 2024

BIG IDEA:  Christianity gives us meaning amidst the hardships of life.

 

1. Our sense of meaning is fragile when it comes from within ourselves.
2. Where we find our meaning will determine our response to suffering and hardships.

 

John 11:17-26 (NIV)  On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:32-35 (NIV)  When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 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.

 

  • Jesus shows us that God is with us in our experience of suffering.
  • Jesus shows us that it is okay to feel all of the emotions.
  • Jesus gives us hope that goes beyond our experience of hardship.
  • Jesus shows us that suffering can be purposeful.

 

You can listen to the sermon on YouTube here.

You can download discussion questions for this message here: Doubt #2

 

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