1. Think of recent movies or television shows you have watched. What are some things that people
mourn over in these movies and programs? What things in our culture cause people the most sadness?
2. This may sound like a ridiculously simple question, but reflect on why people (generally) pursue joy and fun in life and not mourning and sadness.
3. Spend some time thinking about things God wants us to mourn over. Here are two things to get you started:
i.Spiritual Poverty. Our Western society has radically changed its opinion of sin and
of guilt. It disagrees with many biblical pronouncements of what is wrong and what
is right, it removes personal blame in many instances by blaming bad behaviour
on society, one’s upbringing and genetics and it has minimized the seriousness of
disobedience to God. Paul teaches that people approve of those who sin (read Romans 1:28-32). For God, however, sin is serious business. Sin has cut us off from a personal relationship with Him and this relationship could only be restored at great pain and cost to God Himself. Read James 4:4-10. How should we respond in the light of our own guilt and of God’s view of sin? Everyone should prayerfully consider this next question but only a couple need to answer aloud: What sins in your own life have you not taken as seriously as God would have you take them? What are you going to do about them now?
ii.The Lost and the Broken. Read Luke 19:41-44. Jesus mourns for the city of Jerusalem. There is a story told of Dwight Moody: While speaking in London, evangelist D. L.Moody was approached by a British companion who wanted to know the secret of Moody's success in leading people to Christ. Moody directed the man to his hotel window and asked, "What do you see?" The man looked down on the square and reported a view of crowded streets. Moody suggested he look again. This time the man mentioned seeing people--men, women, and children. Moody then directed him to look a third time, and the man became frustrated that he was not seeing what Moody
wanted him to see. The great evangelist came to the window with watery eyes and
said, "I see people going to hell without Jesus. Until you see people like that, you will
not lead them to Christ." Over sixty years ago, Dr. Bob Pierce prayed: “Let my heart be
broken by the things that break the heart of God.” In 1947, as a war correspondent and
evangelist, he traveled to China with Youth for Christ, and his heart was broken by the
needs of one little girl. Pledging a monthly sponsorship for her, Dr. Bob Pierce began
World Vision to help children orphaned in the Korean War. Who are the people that
your heart breaks for? Pause and in twos spend time praying for one another that God
would give you the opportunity to minister to those who you hurt for and that God
would break your hearts with the things that break His.
iii. What are some other things (from the sermon or your own biblical knowledge) that
God wants us to mourn over?
4. Mourning and sadness are not the end of the story. God promises that those who mourn will be comforted. Included in the fruit of the Spirit are joy and peace (see Galatians 5:22-23). The book of Revelation teaches us that a time is coming when mourning will cease (Read Revelation 21:1-4). How might this knowledge help one live through periods of mourning?
5. Share of a time when God’s comfort has met you in a time of pain.
6. Is there anyone in your group going through a period of mourning right now? Or do you know of any friends, co-workers, fellow students or family members who are mourning? End your session by praying that God would comfort and bless the hurting.
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