Millcreek Community Church

Grief, Death and Rejoicing

June 12, 2011 | Todd Cyphers

Luke 7:11-17

Grief, Death and Rejoicing

Luke 7:11-17

I. Jesus has authority over grief & death; rely on Him.

II. All of God’s saints go directly to the Lord; so we rejoice.

Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of CAPTIVES, and He gave gifts to men." Ephesians 4:8 (NASB)

Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? Ephesians 4:9 (NASB-U)

"Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom… Luke 16:22 (NASB)

….having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better. Philippians 1:23 (NASB)

III. Those who are like Jesus engage in other’s sufferings.

The Worst Things to Say to Someone in Grief

There is a reason for everything. Let go and let God…
He is in a better place. (He may not be)
I know how you feel. (We never know exactly…)

The Best Things to Say to Someone in Grief

I wish I had the right words, just know I care.
I don^'t know exactly how you feel, but I am here to help.
My favorite memory of_________is...
I am always just a phone call away.
Ask, may I hug you? Do you want to talk? Then listen.
Contact later after most have forgotten.

CYCLES OF GRIEF

1. Shock & Denial - Stunned, going through the motions

2. Emotional release - Weeping, etc.

3. Anger or Bitterness - Attack or Avoid

4. Loneliness & Sadness - Feeling of Loss seems to cover us

5. Guilt or Blame - Second-guessing of self or others

6. A gradual return to LIFE - Hope and joy return

7. Engaging in others hurts- Misery turns to ministry

Questions to consider:

1. What different reactions have you noticed that people have when they lose a friend or loved one to death?

2. How often do you think of death and is there any fear concerning your future death?

3. Again, who is with Him as He travels to Nain? (11)

4. What do you see about mourning in this passage that reveals how mourning was in Jesus' time? (12)

5. Describe the person who died and why does this make the story more heart wrenching? (12, 14)

6. What did Jesus feel and do about the situation? (13-15)

7. How did Jesus bring the person to life? (14)

8. Describe what happened & the responses in verses? (15-16)

9. What affect did this one work of God have on the area? (17)

10. Do you talk very much about the miracle that happened to you? Read Ephesians 2:1-10 to remind yourself about the great miracle God did for you? How is our miracle we received at salvation like the one this young man received?

11. Do you think it is a miracle that you wake up each day? Whyor why not should this be considered a miracle?

12. Discuss Sunday’s message with someone especially the parts about grief and how to minister to others in grief.

Series Information

Other sermons in the series

Nov 01, 2009