Sunday is the best day of the week & there were so many precious moments last Sunday.
Like the one above!
(Though I don’t know why Isabel was decorated with toilet paper!)
THE DEMONIAC & THE MERCIFUL LORD OF ALL
We studied the second in a cluster of three stories revealing revealing more about who Jesus really is.
After delivering the disciples through the storm, Jesus arrives on the other side of the sea & has a fascinating encounter with a demon-possessed man in Mark 5:1-20.
If you weren’t able to join us, you can watch the whole service on our YouTube & listen to the sermon on our podcast.
OUTLINE OF THE SERMON
1. Who is the man?
I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that was not called by my name. I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices . . . who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret places; who eat pig’s flesh, and broth of tainted meat is in their vessels. Isaiah 65:1-4
2. Who is Legion?
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 3:13-15
3. Who is Jesus?
“Unless the Almighty arm had been under me, I think I should have died with gratitude and joy. My eyes filled with tears, and my voice choked with transport; I could only look up to heaven in silent fear, overwhelmed with love and wonder.” William Cowper
There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us. Richard Sibbes
Main point: Don’t be deceived! Jesus is the all-powerful Lord who shows mercy to everyone who believes.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Preliminary question:
In these days, we have been taught that only those things that can be replicated, measured, documented, & verified should be believed. How does our 21st-century frame of reference affect us when we read a story such as Mark’s account of the Garasene man?
1. On the other side of the sea, Jesus and the disciples immediately encounter a strange man who lived among the Garasenes. How does Mark describe him?
2. What do you find to be most surprising about the story?
3. Why were the Garasenes afraid when they saw this previously wild, uncontrollable man clothed, sitting, & in his right mind?
4. What do we learn about who Jesus is from the story?
5. Why did Jesus not allow the demoniac to go with them?
6. Where has Jesus placed you? Where is your “home”? Who are the “friends” he has called you to share the good news with?