Scripture References: Mark 5:2-20; Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 2:15
Sermon Notes:
Intro: Good morning! As we continue stretching out as a church (like planting in Tulare), we remember our core mission: "To behold Jesus and put His brilliance on display." Today, looking at Mark 5, we behold Jesus' incredible power and compassion, and receive His commission for our own lives.
Key Points:
- The Extreme Need (Mark 5:2-5): Jesus encounters a man utterly controlled by a "Legion" of demons – living among tombs, supernaturally strong, constantly crying out, self-harming. He represents a situation beyond human help, seemingly hopeless.
- Beholding Jesus' Authority (v. 6-13):
- Demons Recognize & Fear: The demons instantly know Jesus ("Son of the Most High God") and His authority. They throw themselves down, begging for mercy, demonstrating His supreme power. This isn't an equal fight; Jesus is King.
- Jesus Acts with Power & Compassion: He engages directly, commands the spirits, learns their name, and decisively sends them into the pigs. He demonstrates both fierce authority over darkness and compassion for the afflicted man.
- Our View: Do we truly recognize the power and authority of the Jesus we worship and call upon? He holds all authority (Matt 28:18) and actively intercedes for us (Heb 7:25).
- The Aftermath: Transformation & Fear (v. 14-17):
- Man Restored: The community sees the man completely changed – clothed, seated, "in his right mind." Jesus brings total restoration.
- Community Rejects: Instead of rejoicing, the townspeople are afraid (perhaps of the power, perhaps of the economic loss of pigs) and ask Jesus to leave.
- The Commission: "Go Home" (v. 18-20):
- Desire to Follow: The restored man naturally wants to physically go with Jesus.
- Jesus' Direction: "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."
- Our Commission: "Go home" applies to us too. It means:
- Stay rooted where God has placed you (job, family, neighborhood).
- Witness in your everyday context – share God's mercy and work there.
- Live out your faith Monday-Saturday, not just Sunday.
- Empowered Witness: Jesus doesn't send the man alone; He commissions him with His authority. Likewise, Jesus sends us with His enabling presence and power to fulfill the call to share His story where we are.
Conclusion: Beholding Jesus reveals His absolute authority over darkness and His deep compassion for the broken. He powerfully saves and restores. Then, He often commissions us not to leave our current lives, but to "go home" – into our existing relationships and communities – empowered by Him to tell others what great mercy He has shown us.
Call to Action:
- Behold Him: Recognize and stand in awe of Jesus' supreme power and authority over everything, including your situation. Repent of minimizing Him.
- Receive Your Commission: Hear Jesus telling you to "go home." Embrace your current context as your primary mission field.
- Tell Your Story: Ask God for boldness and opportunities to share His mercy and work in your life with "your own people."
- Receive Prayer: If you need freedom from oppression, a fresh commissioning for your "home," or help with unbelief, come receive prayer.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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