Luke 8:26-39
When we follow Jesus, we’ll experience His power in our lives and be driven to testify to others what He has done.
Power naturally elicits response. In this passage, Jesus encountered an army of evil spirits. These spirits had power over the man they possessed, but their power was no match for the inherent power of the Son of God. Through this encounter, we see people respond to Jesus in different ways. Their responses challenge us to recognize Jesus’ power, welcome His power to remove evil in our lives, and tell people what His power has done.
Read Luke 8:26-33:
- What is significant about the fact that the man referred to Jesus in this way when he encountered Him?
- Why do you think the demon-possessed man engaged in conversation with Jesus instead of running away from Him?
- What do you learn about Jesus from this miraculous event?
Read Luke 8:34-39:
- The previously demon-possessed man, the Gerasene herdsmen, and the people of the surrounding country all encountered Jesus in different ways. How can you relate to each one?
- When the healed man begged to stay with Jesus, what kind of life do you think he was hoping to experience?
- How did Jesus change the man’s understanding of what it meant to follow Him?
- What does this story reveal about the different ways we can respond to Jesus?
Taking it Home:
- Are there obstacles that are blocking you from declaring Jesus’ miraculous work in your heart and life?
- What seemingly unconquerable forces in your life do you need to hand over to Jesus to heal?
Ways to Pray:
- Adoration: Worship God for His ability to heal and restore those who are suffering.
- Confession: Ask forgiveness for the times when you have doubted God’s power or questioned His authority.
- Thankfulness: Express gratitude for the ways God has worked in your life to bring healing and restoration.
- Supplication: Ask God for guidance and strength in overcoming your fears and doubts.
Additional Scriptures to Engage with this week:
- Psalm 66
- Acts 16:11-24
- Revelation 9:1-12
- Acts 19:11-20
- Revelation 12:7-17
- Jonah 3:1-4:3