Everyone knows what it feels like to be hopeless. All the way back in school, there were times we felt like we’d never understand what we were supposed to be learning or we’d never remember what we studied for the test. Throughout life, we are faced with too little time, too little money, too much conflict, and too much hurt. Hopelessness is almost an old friend, or it would be if it weren’t so poisonous. Jesus came with authority, but it wasn’t to dominate others. Instead, He came to use His power to help. This story is one about hopelessness and Jesus’ authority over it.