JESUS THE MIRACLE WORKER WEEK 2 : LIBERATOR OF CAPTIVES STUDY GUIDE
Main idea: Jesus does not use his ultimate power to oppress us, but to set us free.
Key Scripture: Mark 5:1-15
Key Principles:
- No one is too far gone to be saved by Jesus Christ.
- This man’s story is our story.
- Jesus takes the unclean and makes it clean.
Discussion Questions:
Read Mark 5:1-20.
• Has there ever been a time in your life that you felt you were too far gone to be saved by Jesus? Share about how God’s incredible power restored something that the enemy destroyed in your life.
• What does it mean to us, practically speaking, that Jesus demonstrates the power to return us to a state of normalcy—clothed and in our right minds?
• Notice the contrast between Jesus’ focus—on restoring the helplessly enslaved man, and that of the townspeople—obsessed with wealth and blinded to human suffering and Jesus’ transformational power to restore. Can we identify ways that we, share the callousness of the townspeople? What are specific things we might do to help us overcome this obsession?
• Throughout scripture when Jesus performed a miracle, he typically requested the recipient of his miracle to remain silent. Why do you think this time different? Why is it significant that this commissioning occurs in a gentile region?
• Read Ephesians 2:1-5. Does the gospel message presented in this man’s story—that we were all living in a graveyard, under the influence of Satan and bound by our sin—hit a little closer to home after reading this passage? Why or why not?
• This man received no training, yet probably one hour after his salvation (and he was a very evil man before), Jesus was sending him out to share the gospel. The man did not know a lot and he could not have answered many questions. But he knew what Jesus had done for him and he could tell this to others. What are ways we can tell of Jesus mercy to us among our friends and family?
Next Steps
• We should be faithful to share and tell others without any excuse. Share your story of God’s redeeming love with at least one person this week.
Start praying. Be bold, and pray with power.
• Dear Jesus, as I encounter the evil of the enemy, help me to remember that he is powerless against you. Father, I place my trust in you today.