Drop The Shame - Journey Church

40 Days 2026 – Week 3

Drop The Shame – Mark 5:24-34

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Easter is a season of new life and fresh starts. Someone in your life is waiting for an invitation—who will you invite to join you on Easter weekend? A simple “Come sit with me at church!” could change someone’s life forever. Who are you praying for?

Memory Verse for Week 3: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15–16 NIV

When we own our mess and repent, Jesus does exactly what He promises—He fully forgives us, wipes away our sin, and settles our debt at the cross. Yet many believers still feel stuck and chained to their past, wrestling with why forgiveness is real, but freedom doesn’t always feel that way. This week, we are going to wrestle with the question: If Jesus truly forgives us, why do we still feel chained to what we did?

Pastor James spoke about shame. What thought or idea stood out to you as you think back to the message?
In this sermon, Pastor James discussed the story of a woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years (Mark 5:24-34). What details from her story stood out to you most?
Shame turns a struggle into an identity. Can you think of examples of how this happens in people’s lives? How does shame convince us that what we did is who we are?
Read Mark 5:24-34. The woman was healed the moment she touched Jesus’ cloak, but Jesus stopped to call her forward publicly. Why do you think Jesus didn’t just let her slip away quietly after she was already healed?
Read Mark 5:33. Notice that when the woman came to Jesus, she was “trembling with fear.” Shame convinces you that even when something good happens, it might be taken away. Shame convinces you that eventually someone will expose you, correct you, or push you away. Many believers know they are forgiven but still feel “stuck” or “chained to what they did.” Why do you think this happens? What’s the difference between knowing you’re forgiven and actually feeling free?
When Jesus calls the woman “Daughter” in verse 34, this was one of the most personal names Jesus ever gave someone in public. What does this name communicate that other names wouldn’t? Why could she “go in peace”? Is it because she was healed, or because of who Jesus said she was?
Read John 1:12. If Jesus calls you son, shame does not get the final word. If Jesus calls you daughter, your past does not get to define you anymore. What does this verse say about the identity of believers? How can knowing and believing who we are help us deal with our past and the shame that often comes with it?
Pastor James shared that shame keeps asking, “Why did you do that?” while Jesus asks, “Who touched me?” What’s the difference between these two questions, and why does that matter?
Pastor James said, “You do not obey to become free. You obey because you have been made free.” What does this mean, and how is this different from how many people approach their relationship with God?
Shame keeps us “interrogating our past” while Jesus is “rebuilding who we are.” When you think about your own struggles, do you find yourself asking “why” questions about past failures? How might changing the question change your perspective?
Read Romans 8:15-16. The Spirit doesn’t make us slaves living in fear, but brings us into adoption as God’s children. When shame starts “yelling” accusations at you, how can you let the Spirit’s testimony about your identity speak louder?
Jesus told the woman to “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” The pastor explained that shame tries to control not just our past but our future. In what ways might shame be keeping you from “going in peace” or living in the freedom Christ has already given you?
Jesus demonstrated that grace “is not fragile” and His forgiveness “is not temporary.” What would change in your daily life if you truly believed these statements about God’s heart toward you?

Summary

In the Old Testament, when something unclean touched something holy, the holy thing became contaminated. But with Jesus, the opposite happens; When broken people touch Him, they are cleansed by His holiness. His holiness does not retreat from sinners. It restores them. His power flows outward instead of judgment falling downward.

Application

This week, when you catch yourself asking “Why did I do that?” about a past failure, practice changing the question to “Who does Jesus say I am?” Write down what Scripture says about your identity in Christ.

Memorize Romans 8:15-16. When shame tries to redefine you this week, speak these verses out loud as a reminder of your true identity.

Prayer

Father, thank You that when I reach out to Jesus, I don’t find judgment but grace. Thank You that the cross already settled the debt of my sin, and I don’t have to keep paying for what You’ve already forgiven.

Help me to stop asking “why” about my past failures and start believing who You say I am. When shame whispers that I’m still defined by what I did, remind me through Your Spirit that I’m Your daughter/son.

Give me the courage to go in peace this week, living from the freedom You’ve already given me rather than trying to earn it. Help me to believe that Your grace really isn’t fragile and Your love really isn’t on a timer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Would you consider serving at one of our Easter services? We will have many first-time visitors on campus, and we want everyone to feel at home. If you would like to help, please scan the QR code and complete the Volunteer Interest Form. You would not be committing to a team (although you might fall in love with it!); we simply want to discuss where you could help out. Weekend Experience, data entry, and Journey Kids will be where we have the greatest need on Easter Weekend.

Mark your calendar and plan to attend Consume, our Good Friday Worship Service, on April 3, at 6:30 pm, at our Orange City location. Just a reminder that childcare is not provided, so please start planning now.