Bible Studies
Ses'khona # 9We Are Here ... to Cope with Death and Dying
Bongiwe Dumezwemi
Luke 7:11-17; 8:40-42, 49-53; 22:39-46
AIDS Bible Studies
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Describe the last funeral you attended. How did friends behave towards the grieving family? What help did they offer? Now read the account of the funeral in Luke 7:11-17: How does this compare with the funeral you attended? Note what is similar and what is different.
Read Luke 8:40-42, 49-53.
1. a. Describe the emotions expressed in Jairus' grief. Look for clues that the passage gives as to how difficult this situation must have been.
b. Why is it such a tragedy when people die young? How are we seeing this with the HIV/AIDS pandemic?
2. a. How did Jesus respond when Jairus learned that his daughter had died?
b. What makes it difficult for us to respond to the tragedy of death the way Jesus did?
3. Describe the people's responses to Jesus' emotions and actions. Why is it that we so often have the same attitudes as these people, especially when the situation looks hopeless?
4. What do you think Jesus' response would be towards the AIDS pandemic and people coping with death?
5. Jesus does not abandon Jairus when hope is lost. What comfort does that
bring to Jairus? How can we learn from Jesus in our responses to people who
are grieving the death of loved ones today?
Read Luke 22:39-46.
6. a. How did Jesus cope with his own approaching death? What clues does Luke give us to communicate how difficult it was for Jesus?
b. Is Jesus' personal trauma similar or different to people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS? Explain your thoughts.
7. What support system did Jesus have throughout his grief? What strength would He have gained from the angels, prayer, and the presence of his friends?
8. Luke notes the disciples were exhausted with sorrow. What were some of the things that made it difficult for them to face Jesus' death?
9. Why is it so tiring to grieve with someone? And yet why is it so important to do so?
10. Find out which group members have had the experience of being a friend to someone who has died, perhaps of an AIDS-related illness. Ask them, if they are willing, to share something of how they grew through this difficult experience.
Group Sharing
Take time to update your group about what is happening in your friendship with someone wrestling with HIV/AIDS? How are you coping? Spend time praying for these new friends and for one another.
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