Week 6: Jesus Gives Hope

Rewind and Reflect
Did anything surprise you about Jesus from last week’s lesson? If so, what? 

How did the content from week four encourage you to love people differently? 

This week, we’re going to look at the life of Mary Magdalene to discover that Jesus never gives up on us.

Watch “Jesus Gives Hope” with Jennie Allen, Bianca Juárez Olthoff, Jada Edwards, and Sadie Robertson Huff (10 minutes).

Review
Sadie reflected on how God gives us second, third, and countless chances to start over. None of us is defined by our worst moments in life. How do you respond to that statement? What feelings does it bring up in you? 

Mary Magdalene went from a demon-possessed outcast to a trusted disciple after Jesus healed her. How has your life changed since Jesus came into it? 

Bianca explored Mary’s faithful friendship with Jesus from the day he saved her, through the months of support, to his crushing crucifixion and glorious resurrection. Who is a person in your life who has proven to be loyal over a long stretch of time?

Dig In
Luke 8 describes Mary Magdalene as one “from whom seven demons had gone out.” In verses 1–3 we see her among a group of women disciples who supported Jesus’s ministry financially. Describe the contrast between her before-Jesus and after-Jesus life. How can her story speak into yours? 

Read John 19:17–25. In these verses, we read how Mary loyally remained by Jesus during his trial, suffering, and crucifixion. In fact, her presence was noted in each of the four Gospel accounts. Think of a difficult time in your life. In what ways did a friend, or friends, show loyalty and love to you?

Make It Matter
This session reminds us that we are not defined by our worst choices or greatest shame. As Mary went from rejected to chosen, so do we—in Christ. In what ways have you experienced freedom? What does it look like to offer others second chances after they fail you? 

Bianca focused on Mary’s loyalty to Jesus. What sort of friend are you? How well can your friends count on you when things get tough?

Reflect
Spend time thanking God for rescuing you. Name those hurts, sins, legacies that kept you far from him, and contrast them with the freedom and healing you now have.

Consider how you have responded to God’s grace. Like Mary giving back to Jesus, what can you do to show your gratitude this week? 

Think of a friend who has always been there for you. Do something to express your love and appreciation for him or her.