Are you meeting regularly with a discussion group? If you meet just once a week, you can find all of this week’s discussion questions in one place right here.

Question:

What other lost causes have you seen in life?   Do you know someone with a negative prognosis due to some illness? Someone told they’re palliative? Or what about in other areas of life – someone who’s considered hopeless in work or life?

Reading:  

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.  (Acts 9:36-43 ESV)

Question:  

Read Mark 5:21-42 and write down the parallels between this story and what Peter did.

Question:

What do you think it looks like for us to follow in Jesus’ footsteps today through hopeless situations?

Challenge:

Who in your life is hurting, sick, or dying? How can you bring life, hope and healing as a representative of Jesus?