“Desperately Seeking Jesus” (Mark 5:21-43)

Summary

The video script narrates an inspiring story of a man in Phoenix who, after being laid off, creatively sought employment by distributing resumes on a busy street corner. This leads into a discussion of two desperate individuals in Mark's Gospel who turned to Jesus for help. Jairus, a synagogue official, pleads for Jesus to heal his dying daughter, while a hemorrhaging woman believes touching Jesus' garment will cure her. Both display profound faith, leading to miraculous healings. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being desperate for Jesus, encouraging viewers to seek a deep, intimate relationship with Him, and to address any lukewarmness in their faith.

Takeaways

• 📜 The script tells a heartwarming story of a man in Phoenix who, after being laid off, creatively sought employment by standing on a street corner with his resumes, demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.
• 🙏 The sermon discusses the importance of seeking Jesus in times of desperation, drawing parallels between the man's story and biblical accounts of individuals turning to Jesus in their dire situations.
• 🔍 The story of Jairus, a synagogue official, is highlighted to illustrate the power of specific and earnest prayer, as he humbly seeks Jesus' help for his dying daughter.
• 🌟 The sermon emphasizes the compassion of Jesus, who prioritizes the needs of those seeking His help, setting aside His own plans to serve others, as seen in His response to Jairus' plea.
• 🤲 The account of the woman with a hemorrhage for 12 years showcases her desperate yet faithful action of touching Jesus' garment, believing it would heal her, underscoring the significance of faith in miracles.
• 🌈 The immediate healing of the woman upon touching Jesus' garment is used to stress the immediacy and certainty of Jesus' miracles, contrasting with the gradual or uncertain claims of some modern faith healers.
• 😔 The script mentions the woman's social ostracization due to her condition, drawing a connection to the broader issue of societal exclusion faced by those with chronic illnesses or conditions.
• 🛑 Jesus' reaction to the news of the girl's apparent death, telling Jairus not to fear but to believe, is highlighted as a lesson in faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
• 💤 The description of death as 'sleep' in the script is explained through biblical references, emphasizing the Christian belief in the peacefulness of death and the hope of resurrection.
• 🎉 The resurrection of Jairus' daughter is portrayed as a testament to Jesus' power over death, with the command 'talitha cumi' ('little girl, I say to you, get up') demonstrating His authority.
• 🔥 The sermon concludes with a call for the congregation to cultivate a sense of desperation for Jesus, challenging the complacency that can come with living in a comfortable, prosperous society.

Q & A

What is the heartwarming story mentioned in the script about a man in the Phoenix area?

The man, who was laid off work and down on his luck, printed out resumes and made a sign to display them. He stood on a busy street corner offering his resumes to potential employers, which eventually led to him receiving job offers.

What is the main theme of the story from Mark's Gospel that the speaker discusses?

The main theme is about two desperate people who sought out Jesus for help. Their desperation led them to reach out to Jesus, and the speaker encourages the audience to become desperate enough to fully seek out Jesus as well.

Why was Jairus, the synagogue official, in a desperate situation according to the script?

Jairus was in a desperate situation because his little daughter was at the point of death. Despite the religious leaders' opposition to Jesus, Jairus sought Jesus' help to heal her.

What did the woman with the hemorrhage for twelve years do when she heard about Jesus, and what was her belief?

The woman believed that if she could just touch Jesus' garments, she would be healed. So, she came up in the crowd behind him and touched his cloak.

How did Jesus respond to Jairus' plea for help, and what does this demonstrate about Jesus' character?

Jesus responded with compassion, setting aside his own agenda to go with Jairus to heal his daughter. This demonstrates Jesus' tenderness and willingness to serve others, even those who might not be in his favor.

What is the significance of the number '12' in the script, and how does it relate to the characters?

The number '12' is significant as it is mentioned in relation to the age of Jairus' daughter, the duration of the woman's illness, and the number of Jesus' disciples. It suggests a connection between the characters and the spiritual lessons to be learned.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'Jesus make me desperate for you'?

The speaker is expressing a desire to have a deep and urgent need for a relationship with Jesus, similar to the desperation the individuals in the script felt when they sought Jesus' help.

What does the speaker suggest about the comfort and prosperity of living in America and its potential impact on one's faith?

The speaker suggests that the comfort and prosperity in America can potentially make it easy for believers to lose their spiritual zeal and sense of desperation for Jesus, as they may not face the same hardships or persecutions as in other places.

How does the speaker describe the condition of those who are without Christ according to Ephesians 2:1-3?

The speaker describes those without Christ as being spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins, following the ways of the world, and being children under wrath, highlighting the desperate need for salvation through Christ.

What is the speaker's call to action for the audience at the end of the script?

The speaker calls the audience to prayer, urging them to examine their relationship with Jesus and to seek a deeper, more desperate connection with Him, addressing any lukewarmness or unmet commitments in their faith.