Jesus changes lives!
Mark 5:1–20 (NIV) — 1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
1. Read Mark 5:1-20. Write down all the phrases that describe what the man was like before he met Jesus. Then write down all the phrases that describe what he was like after he met Jesus.
2. When Jesus denied the man’s request to accompany him, exactly what did he tell the man he should go tell others? Did he do it?
3. What was the response of those who heard the man tell his story? From this, would you say people must see and experience the power of God “firsthand” from Jesus in order to be duly impressed by it or could they be impressed by seeing and hearing about it “secondhand” from someone else who had experienced it? To what degree do you think the man’s profound experience with Jesus accounted for why the people were amazed?
4. Write down as many phrases as you can that describe what you were like before you met Jesus. Then write down as many phrases as you can that describe your life today. Do you earnestly believe he is the One who has brought about the positive changes you see in your life (cf. 2. Corinthians 3:17-18)?
5. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Find a trusted Christian friend or group and tell them some of the specific ways you believe God has changed your life.
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