HEAL – God’s Heart for Healing in MarkSample

Spiritually Tormented

Today’s account features a man possessed by many demons. He was known by the townspeople and yet he lived in isolation among the tombs. He is described as a man who was often bound and chained but unable to be subdued due to his supernatural strength. His extreme mental anguish and agony were on full display as he cried out day and night, cutting himself in pain. 

One day, Jesus was nearby and the tormented man approached Him. Jesus said to the demon possessing the man, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” The demon then cried out: “What is it that you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me.” The demonic spirits knew the power of Jesus to rid this man of his chains of torment. Commanding the spirits to leave him, Jesus sent the evil spirits into a herd of about 2,000 pigs that were driven into a lake and drowned. What happened to the man next? We see him sitting, dressed and in his right mind. 

Today, the enemy still prowls like a lion seeking to devour and destroy. He isolates individuals from friends and family via depression, addictions, sin, shame, whispering lies and robbing people of their sound mind and peace. The devil and his demons have limited reign here on earth, but they can certainly wreak havoc on the lives of others. 

Notice what Jesus said to the man when it was time for Him to leave. Instead of allowing this man to join Him on the boat, Jesus told the man: “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” This man was no longer with his family, and most likely either retreated himself to the tombs or was driven away into isolation from them. Can you imagine the surprise when he knocked on their door? Their prodigal son was home telling of a healing encounter with the Son of God!

Questions:  

1. Did reading today’s passage impact your mindset about what a demon-possessed man or woman may look like? What are the characteristics and the references in the passages about this man’s demonic possession?
2. Once Jesus healed the man, he was freed of his suffering—his state-of-mind, characteristics and outward appearance changed. Do you think he wanted to leave Jesus’ side? Why do you think Jesus told him to go home to his family?
3. At the Cross, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities of this world, triumphing over them (see Colossians 2:15). Believers cannot be possessed by a demon; however, the enemy is still alive and active. What does Scripture tell us to do to stand firm against the enemy?